Tier 1
Tier 1 focused on the entire Council Bluffs interstate system to identify the needs of the system and develop possible solutions (alternatives) to those needs.The needs identified in Tier 1 included:
- reduce existing traffic congestion;
- provide for projected increases in traffic demand;
- repair existing roadway conditions;
- address existing safety issues;
- correct design issues; and
- accommodate planned development in the interstate corridor.
No-build – maintain the existing interstate with no significant improvements;
Improve other metro area roadways – improve other roadways to reduce the amount of traffic on the interstate system;
Construction of a new cross town roadway – construct a north bypass on new alignment that would potentially reduce traffic on I-80/I-29;
Improve alternate modes of transportation – bus improvements, pedestrian/bike improvements that would reduce traffic on the interstate system;
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) – reduce demand on the transportation system through alternative work hour programs, park and ride facilities or van/car pool programs;
Transportation System Management (TSM) – better management of the transportation system that improves traffic flow without significant physical improvements; and
Construction Alternative (Reconstruct all or part of the interstate) – provide additional capacity, improve access and consolidate or construct new interchanges.
All alternatives were compared, and the Construction Alternative was identified as the preferred alternative in the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Tier 1 Final EIS documents the potential impacts of the Construction Alternative. The Tier 1 Final EIS is available at the following locations:
- Council Bluffs Public Library
- Omaha Public Library
- Iowa DOT District 4 Office
Key Element Decisions
Also during Tier 1, two key elements were identified that needed to be decided before the project moved into Tier 2. These elements and the decisions reached are discussed below.How should traffic be handled on the overlapping section of I-80 and I-29 from west of 24th Street to east of South Expressway?
Two very different concepts (“dual, divided freeway” and “combined freeway”) were developed and were discussed at a public hearing in February 2005. It was determined that the overlapping section of I-80 and I-29 should be reconstructed as a “dual, divided” freeway which would physically separate through traffic from traffic destined for Council Bluffs. For additional information about the “dual, divided freeway,” click here.Should access to West Broadway be provided from I-29 or should access remain similar to existing conditions?
It was determined that direct access should be provided between I-29 and West Broadway. For additional information on how access would be provided at West Broadway, visit Design.At the completion of Tier 1, the project study area was divided into five segments for further study in Tier 2. For additional information on the Tier 2 project segments, visit Design.
