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.