Iowa DOT seeks feedback on U.S. 69 roundabout plan at NE 126th Avenue

Residents of Polk County, Iowa, are being asked to weigh in on a plan to transform a busy intersection at U.S. Highway 69 and Northeast 126th Avenue into a safer roundabout. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) recently announced that it will host an in-person public meeting on Sept. 4 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny to discuss proposed improvements. The intersection, located just north of Ankeny near the John Deere Des Moines Works, handles heavy commuter and truck traffic and has seen a number of angle crashes in recent years.

The design team is recommending replacing the existing stop-controlled configuration with a single-lane roundabout. According to the Iowa DOT, roundabouts slow traffic and eliminate high‑speed T-bone collisions, significantly reducing the severity of crashes. The proposed roundabout would have an inscribed diameter of about 150 feet, truck aprons to accommodate semitrailers and farm equipment, and sidewalks for pedestrians. To build the roundabout, U.S. 69 would need to close at the intersection for several months; a detour would route drivers onto Northeast 126th Avenue, Interstate 35 and Delaware Avenue. Local access for adjacent businesses and farms would be maintained through signed side roads.

At the Sept. 4 open house, Iowa DOT engineers will share preliminary plans, traffic studies and artistic renderings. They will be available to answer questions and accept written comments. The meeting will have no formal presentation, so attendees can arrive at any time during the hour and a half. Those unable to attend can review materials and submit feedback online until Sept. 15 by visiting the project website at www.iowadot.gov/pim and selecting “U.S. 69 Intersection Improvements, Polk County.”

Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring 2027 and would wrap up by the fall. During construction, the contractor would remove the existing pavement, install new drainage pipes and reconstruct the roadway and roundabout in stages. The project is part of the Iowa DOT’s ongoing efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on state highways. Officials note that roundabouts not only improve safety but also keep traffic moving by eliminating long wait times at stop signs. Once complete, the new roundabout is expected to enhance mobility for commuters traveling between Ankeny and Bondurant and support economic growth along the U.S. 69 corridor. Residents are encouraged to review the concept and share their thoughts so the final design reflects the needs of the community.