The Iowa DOT will be reconstructing the Interstate 35 Interchange at East First Street. The existing interchange is deteriorating and is at capacity given the daily traffic using the facility. The DOT plans to reconstruct the interchange into a diverging diamond interchange and will add lanes to Interstate 35 from the SE Oralabor Road interchange to the NE 36th Street interchange within Ankeny.
The schedule for this project includes construction in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The preliminary cost estimates for the project exceed $54 Million. The project is programmed in the DOT's current capital improvements program and the right-of-way acquisitions will commence this fall.
In addition to the improvements to the interchange and interstate, the DOT will be completing roadway improvements to Ankeny's street system. These include the widening of the intersection of Delaware Avenue and East First Street, the paving of the north portion of SE Creekview Drive and the widening of the Fourmile Creek bridge on East First Street.
On June 6, 2016 the DOT and the City entered into a cost-sharing agreement for a portion of the Ankeny street system improvements. Staff has negotiated a City payment not to exceed $2 Million, which will cover a portion of the city improvements.
At this time, the Iowa DOT is acquiring the property needed to reconstruct the interchange. There are five parcels of city property that are needed for the project. Two of these parcels have values totaling $197,000.00. The approval of these acquisitions is set for tonight, March 20th. Instead of the DOT paying the City this amount, it is recommended that the $2 Million project payment by the City be reduced by the $197,000.00. It is recommended that Council approve the resolution to facilitate this payment reduction for the mutual benefit of the DOT and City. |