Raccoon River Bridges Study

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RACCOON RIVER BRIDGES STUDY

The project consists of the functional design associated with the Raccoon River Bridges Study. The project includes the examination of conceptual alignments of South 35th/50th Street and South Jordan Creek Parkway corridors crossing Raccoon River. The Consultant will complete limited design surveys, limited environmental services, functional roadway and bridge design, and cost estimating services.

June 24, 2025

Here is a copy of the final report: R accoon River Bridges Study Final Report

The original scope of this project did not go into detail on the potential alignment of South Jordan Creek Parkway from SE Maffitt Lake Road to Veterans Parkway. Discussions at the May 8, 2025 public information meeting revealed that additional information may be necessary. An addendum to the final report is currently in progress and will be posted on this website when complete. If an additional public informational meeting is deemed necessary to discuss the addendum, notices will be mailed and the information will also be posted on this website.

April 24, 2025

Initial results are available from the feasibility study conducted by Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC. This feasibility study was for potential bridge crossings of the Raccoon River. The study aimed to identify viable options to improve traffic connectivity, encourage economic growth, and enhance emergency service access.

It is important to note, the City Council has not approved any of the projects presented in this study. The purpose of the study was to determine feasible connections across the Raccoon River for long-term planning. Foth evaluated conceptual alignments for South 35th Street, South 50th Street and South Jordan Creek Parkway corridors, considering environmental impacts, functional roadway and bridge design and potential cost. Desktop reviews identified potential environmental constraints like wetlands, endangered species habitats, floodplains, and cultural resources for each alignment. Other factors included property impacts, constructability, cost and local connections.

The study included a scoring matrix to compare the alignments based on the above factors.

The South 35th Street alignment involves a very long bridge spanning multiple features and faces significant impacts to environmental resources and nearby properties. This option has the highest estimated cost and scored the lowest. This option will not be recommended by City Staff.

The South 50th Street option includes a more straight-forward bridge design and significant environmental issues as well. While this is the least costly alternative overall, City Staff recommends not pursuing this option.

The eastern and western alternatives for South Jordan Creek Parkway require separate railroad and river bridges. These options are both similar in overall cost and environmental impact. City Staff recommends one of these options. In the future, further analysis will be required to determine if the east or west alignment is more feasible to make the connection to Veterans Parkway.

Since the West Des Moines Ultimate Street Circulation Map has the South Jordan Creek Parkway crossing shown and no crossings shown for South 35^th Street or South 50^th Street, no further action by the City Council is necessary.

Feel free to email any comments or questions to the address below or in person at the open house on May 8, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.

More detailed information can be found in the study itself at this link: Link to Study and with visuals provided below.

Bridges: TYP 35-50, TYP Bridge, TYP SJCP

The South 35th Street The South 50th Street South Jordan Creek Parkway

35th Street Map 50th Street Base Map S Jordan Creek Pkwy Map1

50th Street ADD Map S Jordan Creek Pkwy Map2

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Raccoon River Bridges Study Open House

Date: Thursday, May 8

Time: 5-8pm

MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex

6500 Grand Avenue

West Des Moines, IA 50266

January 21, 2025

Foth Infrastructure Environment, LLC reached the conclusion of their conceptual design phase of the project and a project update meeting was conducted. Next steps are to move forward with some desk-top environmental reviews and progress into functional design and cost estimating.

Meeting Minutes: January 21, 2025

Meeting Recording: January 21, 2025

S 35th Street Exhibit - Draft Conceptual Design

S 35th Street Exhibit - Typical Cross Sections

S 50th Street Exhibit - Draft Conceptual Design

S 50th Street Exhibit - Typical Cross Sections

Jordan Creek Parkway Exhibit - Draft Conceptual Design

Jordan Creek Parkway Exhibit - Typical Cross Sections

S 35th/50th Street & Jordan Creek Parkway - Typical Bridge Cross Sections