Aesthetics
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) recognizes that the Council Bluffs Interstate System (CBIS) improvements project will change the look of the interstate system and the entrance to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Project plans will include limited aesthetic treatments and enhancements.
To develop a vision for the aesthetic treatments and enhancements, the Iowa DOT created an Aesthetic Subcommittee made up of community members (see Committees) to assist in developing a plan for the project.
The subcommittee helped develop an Aesthetics Master Plan for the interstate corridor that incorporates local culture, landscape and other planning initiatives to create a cohesive interstate corridor that is attractive and easy to navigate for daily commuters as well as first time visitors.
An Interstate can be more than just a road
The Aesthetics Master Plan complements the character of the existing landscape and incorporates features of some existing Council Bluffs locations.
The design palette developed for the Aesthetic Master Plan utilizes warm, natural creams and browns and incorporates texture into elements such as retaining walls and bridge barriers (shown to the right).
The aesthetics plan also includes several possible design details that could be incorporated into bridges and other features along the interstate corridor. Details such as natural curves are intended to represent the rolling hills surrounding Council Bluffs. Click here to see examples of details that could be incorporated into bridge piers.
The Iowa DOT is committed to enhancing the visual appeal of the interstate corridor in a way that reflects Council Bluffs' community values and natural assets. Because of the many transportation needs across the state and limited funding, the level of enhancements for the Council Bluffs corridor will depend on state and local partnerships to provide additional funding contributions for the enhancements.
The following sections show examples of enhancement ideas that could be applied to various locations of the interstate project.
The aesthetic treatments applied to the project will be determined as the project design progresses.
The 24th Street bridge over I-29/I-80 provides several opportunities for aesthetic enhancements, including development of a signature bridge at the western entrance to Council Bluffs. The following links show general enhancements that have been incorporated into the 24th Street bridge design.Appropriate landscaping can enhance the visual appeal of a roadway and provide environmental sustainability. Example landscaping plans are included below for several locations along the interstate corridor.
- West System Interchange Landscaping Plan
- Broadway System Interchange Landscaping Plan
- South Expressway Interchange Landscaping Plan
- Madison Avenue Interchange Landscaping Plan
- Nebraska Avenue Interchange Landscaping Plan
There are several other opportunities for aesthetic enhancements throughout the interstate corridor.
- System interchanges provide an opportunity to use various enhancements on the bridge piers and barriers rails.
- Local interchanges (such as South Expressway and Madison Avenue) provide an opportunity to showcase local art with inserts on the bridge barrier railing.
- Some locations along the corridor may need sound walls that would provide an opportunity for enhancements.
The Aesthetic Master Plan is available at the following link.
