Earlham
Earlham, IA · Traffic & Transit
Axios Des Moines
DART's final network overhaul phase launches Sept. 28
The final piece of DART's network overhaul launches Sept. 28, changing how On Demand operates in Ankeny and adding two new zones in Altoona and Clive/Urbandale. Why it matters: It extends the agency's reset beyond traditional bus routes to better address service gaps in suburban communities and give more people access to transit. Context: On Demand is a flexible, app- or phone-booked service currently available only in Ankeny. Trips start or end at designated hubs, such as grocery stores, medical facilities, libraries, shopping centers or fixed-route connections. Catch up quick: DART's June fixed-route overhaul reduced its network from 27 to 10 routes, eliminated roughly 900 stops, and increased frequency on major corridors. The upcoming rollout is the plan's second and final phase. Zoom in: Service runs weekdays from 6am-6pm, with a goal of waits no longer than 30 minutes. Rides cost $3.50, or 75¢ for riders who qualify for reduced fares. Friction point: Advance reservations, which can currently be made up to a week in advance, will end Sept. 28. About 75% of Ankeny trips are booked in advance, but 15% are canceled the day of travel, often within hours of pickup. Same-day-only booking should reduce unused trips and help
Iowa State Daily
Construction at Iowa State: How students are affected
With construction and roadblocks affecting routes, students are having to find new ways to get across campus. The conversation surrounding construction has been ongoing since the introduction of plans for CyTown in Sept. 2022. Even now, the conversation about construction is finding its way into students’ everyday lives. “In...
ksux.com
Iowa-based Casey’s sees gas profit amid volatility in price
The Ankeny-based Casey’s convenience store chain reported net income for the first quarter was up a little more than 27% compared to last year at almost $274 million. Same store inside sales were up 2.3%, while gallons of gas sold were down three tenths of a percent. CEO Darren...
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
Rising diesel prices hitting American farmers, truckers hard
kniakrls.com
Parking Changes Approved Around Newton’s Aurora Heights Elementary School
Some on-street parking changes are being made around Newton’s Aurora Heights Elementary School. The Newton City Council unanimously approved the changes at their meeting this week after staff from both the city and the school district looked at how the new building addition impacted traffic patterns for buses and parent drop-off and pick-up. Newton Mayor Randy Ervin encouraged the council members to pass the new parking restrictions immediately, by waiving the second and third reading of the proposed changes.
WHO 13
Flooded roads reported across Des Moines as storms continue
DES MOINES, Iowa — Authorities are reminding residents to be mindful of water on the road and report several roadways closed as a storm passes over the metro. The Des Moines Police Department says officers are responding to reports of flooding roadways across the metro due to continuing rains. Officials advise that multiple roadways are […]
kniakrls.com
Bids Going Out To Replace Traffic Signal Controller On Newton’s First Avenue West
The City of Newton is going to be collecting bids to replace the traffic signal controller equipment at the 1st Avenue West and West 8th Street intersection. Newton’s Public Works Department staff says the equipment is nearing the end of its useful life, and is scheduled for replacement. In addition to being outdated, the staff notes the signal does not meet current ADA accessibility requirements. To assist disabled pedestrians in crossing intersections, audible signals and countdown signals are commonly used.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New Mississippi River bridge will open months earlier than expected
A new Mississippi River bridge that connects western Wisconsin and eastern Iowa will open in early November , months ahead of schedule. The historic Black Hawk Bridge it will replace stood for nearly 100 years before it started experiencing problems that led to on-and-off closures beginning in 2024. It closed for good last October and was imploded – with great fanfare – in December. The old bridge connected Wisconsin Highway 82 and Iowa Highway 9, providing a vital link for the surrounding communities because it was the only way to cross the river between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, which are nearly 60 miles apart. The bridge between Crawford County, Wisconsin, and Lansing, Iowa, had been accommodating 2,000 vehicles daily. Since its closure, a car ferry has been shuttling passengers back and forth. It has carried nearly 131,000 vehicles across the Mississippi River in that time. Those who don't take it face a headache of a commute, and local businesses say there's been a noticeable drop in foot traffic . Transportation officials from Wisconsin and Iowa announced Sept. 3 that the new bridge will open to traffic much sooner than its expected spring 2027 opening date, though an exact