8th St SE & Falcon Drive Roundabout
8th Street SE & Falcon Drive SE Roundabout
And Falcon Drive Extension to 1st Street East
Project Updates
Update Date: 04/25/2024
Progress
Traffic has been shifted onto the new pavement, and work on the future eastbound lanes is underway.
Current Work:
- Seeding of the Falcon Drive extension and north of the roundabout.
- Storm sewer installation for the future eastbound lanes.
Upcoming Work:
- Grading of the eastbound lanes.
Completed Work:
- Removal of the existing pavement.
- The north half of the roundabout is complete.
- Falcon Drive north of the roundabout is complete, but will remain closed to traffic at the roundabout.
- Trail and sidewalk north of the road and along Falcon Drive to the north.
Schedule
This project is anticipated to take two construction seasons, wrapping up prior to the start of the 2024 school year. This project is under construction at the same time as the 8th Street SE Widening from 7th Ave SE to Falcon Drive SE.
Traffic Impact
This project will be constructed in phases in order to keep the 8th Street SE open to traffic. Traffic may operate under reduced or narrow lanes. Falcon Drive SE will be closed to traffic for the second half of the project from 8th Street SE.
Project Update Email Notifications
If you would like to be added to the list to receive periodic emails updating you on the project progress, schedule, upcoming work, and traffic shifts, please send your request to dtaylor@altoona-iowa.com. Please include your name and refer to the Falcon Drive Roundabout or 8th Street Widening in your request.
Project Overview
Description
8th St SE and Falcon Drive Roundabout and Falcon Drive Extension to 1st St E.
Location
The intersection of 8th St SE and Falcon Drive will be reconstructed as a multi-lane roundabout and Falcon Drive will be extended to the north to 1st St E.
Purpose
Southeast Polk Community School District purchased the land to the east of Sam Wise Youth Complex and west of NE 80th St to build new schools. A new middle school is currently under construction on the site. The addition of a multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of 8th St SE and Falcon Drive and the extension of Falcon Drive are driven by the construction of the school. Improvements will also be made to the intersections of 8th St SE with 8th Ave SE and 14th Ave SE, and 8th St SE will be widened between them in two additional projects. These improvements will include a pedestrian tunnel and crosswalk safety improvements to help students get to the new school safely and efficiently.
Timeline
This project is under construction.
Expected Traffic Impacts
Road Closures
Traffic will be maintained on 8th St SE with reduced and/or narrow lanes for the majority of the project from 8th Ave SE to Falcon Dr. SE. driveway accesses to the south parking lot of Sam Wise Youth Complex will be affected. Falcon Drive SE will be closed at 8th Street SE for the majority of the project.
Detour Routes
Detours will be in place to access both Sam Wise Sports Complex parking lots. A detour will also be in place for Falcon Drive SE while that closure is in effect.
Lane Closures
Lane closures are likely to occur at the north end of the Falcon Drive extension where it will connect to 1st St E.
Sidewalk & Trail Closures
The sidewalks along Falcon Drive SE between 8th St SE and 9th St SE will be closed for the duration of the project. The trail along the south side of 8th Street SE within the project limits will also be closed during the project.