Lighting Ceremony Planned Thursday for US 30 Entry Project

Press Release

AMES, Iowa – To recognize the completion of the Southeast Entry Way Project, a “Light Up the Night” lighting celebration is being held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20 near the intersection of Southeast 16^th Street and South Dayton Place. The public is welcome to attend. 

The U.S. 30 entry way project was designed to provide a fresh, attractive welcome to those traveling to Ames via U.S. 30 or I-35 from the east. The area from the I-35 interchange west to the South Dayton Avenue interchange was improved with new landscaping and lighting sculptures. The area features native grass seeding, transplanted trees, and new trees and shrubs. 

The most visible part of the project is the installation of 12 large light columns. Six are placed on the north side of the highway, and six on the south side. Two small light columns are located on the east and west sides of Dayton Road south of South 16th Street. The columns, which rest on limestone bases, were designed by David Dahlquist, an artist whose work also appears on Ames’ Main Street. 

“The light columns provide a totally unique experience for drivers coming into our community,” said Jeff Benson, a planner with the City of Ames who has worked on the project for years. “Especially when illuminated at night, the affect of this artwork will be striking.” 

 The Southeast Entry Way project was funded through a partnership between the City of Ames, area businesses, and a transportation enhancement grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation.