The Hiawatha City Council has allocated funds in the current Capital Improvements Plan to make interim changes to the traffic signals at all three intersections of the Boyson Road Interchange. New signal equipment is proposed at the Boyson Road and North Center Point Road Intersection and both traffic signals located at the I-380 off ramps. This new equipment will be the latest technology to respond to peak hour traffic and modify signal timing to accommodate traffic flow during these peak times.
Another significant operational concern is the westbound movement of traffic across the I-380 bridge. Currently there is only one through lane westbound. This is especially problematic in the short section between the I-380 and northbound ramp. An improvement concept has been developed to increase the vehicle storage area for this movement by modifying the right turn only lane into a shared through-right turn lane and widening the pavement west to support two through lanes of traffic. This will allow more vehicles to stack in two lanes to, travel through the intersection quicker during the green light.
Plans are in development and will be submitted to the Iowa DOT for approval in August. It is anticipated this work can be completed in October 2016. For additional information, contact the City Engineer at cityengineer@hiawatha-iowa.com