Urbandale approves Complete Streets project on Aurora and 70th; Inroads LLC wins low bid

The Urbandale City Council on May 20 approved bid awards and accompanying traffic changes for the Complete Streets project on Aurora Avenue and 70th Street, adopting a recommended low bid from Inroads LLC and moving forward with design and construction that reduces vehicle lanes, adds buffered bike lanes and modifies parking and turn lanes.

John Larson, director of engineering and public works, told the council the department received three bids on May 7 and recommended accepting the low bid from Inroads LLC in the amount of $555,333.90, which was about 17% below the engineer’s estimate. Larson described the project’s typical cross-section: buffered 5.5-foot bike lanes, narrowed travel lanes, and targeted left-turn storage to serve the middle school and adjacent destinations. He said the project is scheduled to start after June 2 (after local schools dismiss), finish by Aug. 15, and include a contractor stipulation that no work occur between June 30 and July 6 to avoid Fourth of July impacts. The contract allows day-time full closures (6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.) for certain operations; Larson said the contractor may choose phased single-lane work or a daytime closure to expedite milling and paving.

The council also considered traffic engineering changes tied to the project: a proposed ordinance to reduce the speed limit on 70th Street (Aurora Avenue North to Meredith Drive) from 35 mph to 25 mph passed; parking restrictions on segments of Aurora and 70th were adjusted to create space for turn lanes and bike lanes; and staff confirmed signal warrants were not met at 70th/Aurora so no signal will be installed at this time.

Several bicycling advocates spoke during the public hearing. Larry Loss, a board member of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, told the council that bike lanes “provide a safety level for both cyclist and motorist” and cited recent regional findings that painted bike lanes can reduce driver–cyclist crashes by about 49% and protected lanes further reduce crashes. Luke Hoffman, also with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, and Scott Sumter of Bike Iowa urged approval, arguing the corridor changes improve safety for all users.

Council members emphasized outreach and education before construction. Councilmember Carberry Montgomery praised the additional public engagement completed since earlier iterations and said safety was the primary objective. Larson said the project will include public communications coordinated with the contractor and that there is a $5,000-per-day penalty if an unfinished resurfacing is left in an unacceptable state before July 4.

The council passed the motions and resolutions tied to the project, including award of the construction contract and the related traffic ordinance changes. Larsen said staff will publish schedules and outreach materials once the contractor’s detailed schedule is received.