Iowa DOT hosting discussion on potential widening of I-380

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a public discussion later this month on the preliminary fieldwork associated with a potential future widening of Interstate 380.

The open format public information meeting will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Iowa DOT's District 6 office at 5455 Kirkwood Boulevard SW.

The discussion will focus on the stretch of I-380 from about just south of Highway 30 to about one mile north of the future interchange at Forevergreen Road, which is currently under construction.

Cathy Cutler, transportation planner with the Iowa Department of Transportation's District 6 office in Cedar Rapids, said the fieldwork is the first step needed to assess potential impacts of adding two lanes to the currently four-lane interstate.

'Those things are looking for cultural and historical resources that are out there, as well as assessing the natural environment,” Cutler said.

Cutler added that any plans for widening the interstate remain very preliminary, as the project itself. is not currently on the department's five year road plan.

Comments can be submitted online at https://bit.ly/Iowadot115041842.

The meeting space is accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone needing special accommodations at the meeting should notify the Iowa DOT by Feb. 16.

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com