To support the City of Des Moines’ Complete Streets Policy and address current traffic and parking needs, McClure was selected to complete a Corridor Evaluation Traffic Study along Ingersoll Avenue from Polk Boulevard to 42nd Street. The study included traffic data collection, forecasting, multimodal transportation review, parking analysis, development and evaluation of improvement alternatives, and final recommendations. Findings revealed that the existing two-way left-turn lane was not necessary to accommodate turning movements, and peak parking demand could be met with parking limited to the north side of the corridor. The proposed improvements aimed to enhance pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances and addressing deficiencies in the existing unbuffered bike lanes, which did not comply with the City’s policy.

Following the study, McClure advanced the recommended improvements through final design and preparation of bid documents. The design included pavement reconstruction with buffered bike lanes, permeable paver on-street parking, ADA-compliant sidewalks and driveways, cement-treated subgrade, storm sewer and subdrain improvements, water main design, retaining walls, stairs, traffic signal upgrades, and erosion control measures. Temporary easement acquisitions and plats were also developed to support construction. Successful project delivery required continuous coordination with key stakeholders including Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART), Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), City staff, and local residents.

Technical Experience:
McClure was selected to perform a Corridor Evaluation Traffic Study from Polk Boulevard to 42nd Street along Ingersoll Avenue in the City of Des Moines to comply with the City of Des Moines’ Complete Streets Policy and meeting current traffic and parking needs. As part of the study, McClure performed traffic data collection, traffic forecasting, reviewed multimodal transportation needs, parking analysis, developed corridor improvement alternatives, evaluated each alternative, and provided a recommendation for improvements.

The study found that the existing two-way left-turn lane was unnecessary and that peak parking along the corridor could be accommodated with parking on only the north side of Ingersoll Avenue. In addition, the new roadway section will reduce the crossing distance to improve pedestrian safety. The existing bike lanes were not buffered and did not meet the Complete Streets Policy. The design included pavement reconstruction with buffered bike lanes, on-side street parking with permeable pavers, ADA compliant sidewalks, driveways, cement treated subgrade, storm sewer, subdrain, water main, retaining walls, stairs, traffic signal upgrades, and erosion control. Additionally, multiple temporary easement acquisitions and plats were developed. Project coordination with multiple key stakeholders was critical to the project success.