URBANDALE, Iowa — Traffic is set to be safer in Urbandale in a couple weeks, as a new flyover ramp at the I-35/80 interchange and an interchange at Meredith Drive should both be open mid-October, according to the Iowa DOT.
The Urban Loop, the new moniker for (formerly) Rider Corner in Urbandale, has been a traffic project years in the making. By renaming it the Urban Loop, the City hopes drivers form new associations with the area. Instead of knowing it as the place in the freeway where accidents and traffic back-ups occur, residents can thinkg of it as easy access to new businesses.
That includes Northpark Dental, which Dr. Trung Phan opened with his wife, Dr. Ellen Babor, in July.
"[We're hoping] that new interchange that's opening builds momentum for more businesses to build," owner and Dr. Trung Phan said. "I hope this whole Northpark Drive just gets busier and busier."
Benjamin Hucker, a construction engineer with the Iowa DOT, says the old exit, which looped from I-80 eastbound/I-35 northbound down to Hwy 141, would sometimes back cars up to the interstate during the busier times of the day.
The new flyover will take traffic up and over the interstate, giving people going to Grimes safer travel. Those going into Urbandale over the flyover will also have easy access to a new interchange at Meredith Drive.
"[Drivers] will be able to exit onto Meredith Drive, and then it's just a quick drive over to Urbandale Drive to get back north," Hucker said.
The loop will also grant easier access to businesses like Northpark Dental.
Curtis Brown, Director of Economic Development and Assistant City Manager for the City of Urbandale, is excited to see what this will bring.
"There are about 700 acres still open for development around those interstate-served development areas," said Brown. "To see all this coming together is tremendously exciting."