00713777

Component

Interstate 235 (I-235) serves the greater Metropolitan Area of Des Moines, Iowa. I-235 is a four-lane divided highway in the western and northern suburbs, which widens to as many as ten lanes in the central business district. Reaching its design life during the early 1980s, I-235 was presenting major problems for the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). This paper, which appears in a compendium of conference papers, outlines the comprehensive planning steps taken by IDOT to ensure an increase in efficiency or capacity on I-235 and to establish a partnership with the community. Following agency and community input, a comprehensive alternatives analysis was conducted followed by an environmental impact statement. The major investment study concept was introduced after the I-235 alternatives analysis was underway; however, the Federal Highway Administration concurred that the IDOT process was "ahead of its time, particularly in the public involvement process."

Additional support was provided by the Puget Sound Regional Council and King County, Washington.

English

5p

1995-6

Fifth National Conference on Transportation Planning Methods Applications-Volume II: A Compendium of Papers Based on a Conference Held in Seattle, Washington in April 1995

Figures (1)

Alternatives analysis; Driver rehabilitation; Environmental impact statements; Highway planning; Interstate highways; Investments; Public participation; Studies; Transportation planning

Major investment study; Rehabilitation

Des Moines (Iowa)

Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

TRIS, TRB, STATEDOT

Nov 21 1995 12:00AM