Residents of West Des Moines voiced strong concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding the proposed construction of a second bridge west of Interstate 35, which would connect Grand Prairie Parkway to the interstate. The preliminary design calls for a bridge approximately every 1.9 miles, necessitating a 120-foot right of way that could significantly impact local residential areas and the environment.

Local environmentalists highlighted several potential negative consequences of the project, including disruption to federally designated wetlands, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and risks to the city’s water supply. One resident, who participated in the 2010 review of the project, emphasized that the proposed route could lead to the demolition of homes and increased pollution in an already developed neighborhood.

Concerns were also raised about the feasibility study process, with residents expressing frustration over a perceived lack of communication from the city regarding the project’s implications. Many attendees called for greater transparency and a more thorough explanation of the necessity for the bridges, questioning whether the economic benefits justify the environmental costs.

Additional speakers underscored the importance of protecting local natural resources, including the Moffett Lake Reservoir and nearby parks, which are vital for water supply and recreational opportunities. They urged the council to commit to safeguarding these areas from potential harm caused by the proposed infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted a growing tension between urban development and environmental preservation, as residents urged city officials to reconsider the project’s scope and its potential impact on their community and the environment. The council is expected to take these concerns into account as discussions continue.