Ames Intermodal Facility Almost Ready For Saturday's Ceremony

A concrete mixer churned and earth moving machines operated at full speed outside Ames' newest transportation facility.

Construction crews hoped to finish the multi-million Ames Intermodal Facility before a ribbon cutting 11:30 a.m. Saturday, but Tuesday morning crews were still pouring concrete, building its sign and waiting on some windows and other supplies.

Construction Supervisor Greg Cox, of Weitz Construction, said he starts his days at 5:30 a.m. and finishes up sometime after 9 p.m. Crews were determined to complete the job as much as they could before the ceremony and Summerfest begins in Campustown Saturday.

The hulk of concrete with enclosed glass staircases called the Ames Intermodal Facility opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony 11:30 a.m. Saturday at 129 Hayward Ave.

The facility brings bus terminals for major lines, bicycling facilities and parking all under one roof in the commercial district right off of ISU campus.

Construction began in March 2011, but the community has been waiting for something like this for quite some time.

“This is something the community has talked about for more than 6 years,” said Sheri Kyras, CyRide Director of Transit.

There was need for a coordinated transportation facility and more parking in Campustown, she said.

“It all fit together really well, it's a benefit for the community,” Kyras said.

ISU President Steven Leath, Mayor Ann Campbell, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and U.S. Senator Tom Harkin all plan to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Speeches begin at noon Saturday.

Attendees are asked to enter from the back on Sheldon Avenue.

Once construction is complete, people will be able to park in the garage for free until July 30 when people must either purchase a permit or pay 75 cents an hour.

Kyras said people will be able to use the surface lot during the ceremony, but will have to exit afterward so that construction can continue.

The facility will include a bike path between Hayward and Sheldon avenues, but officials will need to discuss funding for connecting that path to the bicycle trail on State Avenue, Kyras said.

The ribbon cutting ceremony takes place right before Summerfest, a celebration and showcase of Campustown on Welch Avenue.

Ames Intermodal Facility By the Numbers

• $9.2 million: What it cost to build the facility. Funding was secured through the U.S. Department of Transportation's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Iowa's Intercity Bus program and a federal appropriation. CyRide did provide a federal match of $87,500.
• 16: The number of months it took to build.
• 384: Parking spaces available.

 What's inside

• Bus Terminal for Jefferson, Burlington Trailways, Executive Express and HIRTA
• Shower and bike locker facilities
• Public Restrooms
• Taxi Stand
• 20 free parking spaces for car pools