Study to look at possible new interchange for I-80
Bondurant and Altoona are looking years ahead to study a possible new interchange on Interstate 80 as the two cities continue to grow east.
Both cities’ councils approved in January a joint application to the Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), a regional transportation planning entity, for grant funds to study the possibility of a new I-80 interchange in eastern Polk County, according to city documents.
The planning and environmental study would lead to a justification report, both of which would study the need in further detail and help finalize a location. They’re required before constructing a possible new interchange.
The area is currently undeveloped. Bondurant planning documents envision a new interchange at 88th Street/Eisenhower Drive near possible industrial and business park development on the north side of I-80. Altoona planning documents identify a possible new interchange in the same general area with plans for mixed-use, light industrial or office development on the south side of I-80.
It would be located about 2 miles east of the Bondurant/Altoona exit at the 143 mile marker.
Any actual studies or construction would be years away, however. Grant funds for the planning study would be available in the 2028 fiscal year. The cities are requesting $500,000 in federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds to help cover the estimated $625,000 cost for the initial planning study. The rest would come from the cities or other grant sources.
MPO officials are expected to vote on final grant awards in May. About $13 million is available in Surface Transportation Block Grant funds in the Des Moines region each year, according to the MPO.
Other area communities have applied for grant funding to help cover the costs of several projects, such as the Fleur Drive bridge rehabilitation project in Des Moines; the Grant Street realignment in Bondurant; an 18th Street bridge over Interstate 35 in Ankeny; and the Ashworth Road reconstruction project in West Des Moines.