Iowa District 6 Planner, Sam Shea, says the interchange was built in the 1960s at the same time as the highway. The area was rural at the time, and the "folded" design of the interchange is outdated. He says it's not adequate for handling all the traffic generated by this growing part of Bettendorf.
The proposed design of the I-80 and Middle Road interchange would accomodate increased traffic and meet current standards. Shea says the estimated price tag is $62 million.
Tuesday's public information meeting will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at TBK Bank Sports Complex on Competition Drive in Bettendorf. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposal.
An online presentation (video) will also be available on the Iowa DOT's website from noon on Tuesday until October 23rd, which is also the deadline to submit initial public comments.
If all goes as planned, Shea says bids would be let in 2025 with construction the following two years.
