SPEED CAMS: DOT Denies Windsor Heights’ Plan
The city of Windsor Heights’ plans to add speed cameras to I-235 have been derailed by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The city had wanted to add cameras on or near the 63rd Street Bridge and near the 73rd Street interchange, because of accident numbers and calls for service in those years from 2001 to 2010. A plan was drawn up and submitted to the Iowa DOT and August 1st the city found out its proposal had been denied.
The decision from the DOT said that while Windsor Heights did a good job in explaining its justification for wanting the cameras, the department wasn’t comfortable with the plan and the city should examine other options. The DOT suggested ramp metering on the 63rd Street westbound entrance ramp and overhead real-time speed displays.
A new auxiliary lane is being added in the area next year and the DOT says that should help alleviate traffic.
Windsor Heights Police Chief Dennis McDaniel says he will appeal the process. The department is moving forward with plans for two mobile speed cameras.
