Waukee City Officials Say Alice's Road Project is Moving Forward

Waukee city officials want to assure residents that progress is moving forward on the Alice's Road project. 

According to a news release sent on behalf of the city of Waukee, an environmental assessment, integral in moving the project closer to completion, is in process on the new interchange linking Waukee and West Des Moines over Interstate 80 at Alice's Road and 105th Street.

“The city of Waukee is committed to moving the road construction along as fast as possible,” said Waukee Mayor Bill Peard. “Our staff and elected officials have been working hard to make the completion of Alice’s Road a reality. There are a lot of moving parts and we feel good that we now have all the parts moving in the same direction.”

Some say the project isn't moving fast enough. In April, Waukee City Councilman Mike Watts openly criticized former for hampering efforts on the much-hailed project. . Brad Deets is currently in the position until Kooistra's replacement can be found.

Once complete, the Alice's Road corridor will include 1,700 acres of potential development; a mix of retail, office, research and development and housing alternatives; a series of unique districts focused around major cross streets, linked by a system of active and passive open spaces; interconnected street and trail network; greenway that offers recreational, storm water and open space functions – an interconnected system of parks, green space and water features linked by a network of bike trails and sidewalks; and a hierarchy of street types that will accommodate vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle and transit options.

“We are excited about all aspects of the project, but especially the greenbelt that will be developed on the land on either side of Alice’s Road,” said Brad Deets, interim city administrator for Waukee. “The plans call for a canal-like water feature which will be unique to the Des Moines Metro area. We think this very large development is the perfect location for any type of business that wants easy access to the metro region.”

Road and sewer construction is anticipated to begin later this year as Alice's Road expands from University Avenue to Ashworth Road and beyond.