If you’re planning a trip from 6000 Creston Ave, Des Moines, IA to Plumb Drive, Urbandale, IA, you’re not alone—thousands of Central Iowans make similar commutes daily for work, school, or errands. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for the fastest, safest route, this guide gives you everything you need: accurate directions, real-time traffic insights, and local knowledge to avoid delays. Let’s get you from point A to point B with confidence.
How Far Is It from 6000 Creston Ave Des Moines to Plumb Drive Urbandale IA?
The distance between 6000 Creston Ave, Des Moines and Plumb Drive, Urbandale is approximately 6 to 7 miles, depending on your exact starting and ending points. Most routes take 12 to 18 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions.
Plumb Drive runs north-south through central Urbandale and intersects with major roads like 86th Street and Douglas Avenue, so your final destination may affect your route. For this guide, we’ll assume you’re heading to the most commonly referenced section near 86th Street & Plumb Drive, a commercial-residential hub.
📍 Pro Tip: Plumb Drive isn’t a single address—it’s a street. Be sure to confirm your exact destination (e.g., “123 Plumb Drive”) before navigating.
What’s the Best Route? Step-by-Step Driving Directions
Here’s the most efficient route based on real-time traffic patterns (as of 2025) and local road conditions:
- Start at 6000 Creston Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Head north on Creston Ave toward SW 60th St. - Turn left onto SW 60th St
Drive ~0.5 miles. - Turn right onto Merle Hay Rd
Continue north for ~3 miles. This is a major arterial road with consistent traffic flow. - Turn left onto Douglas Ave
After ~1.5 miles, you’ll cross into Urbandale city limits. - Turn right onto Plumb Drive
Your destination will be on the left or right, depending on the address number.
⚠️ Avoid Rush Hour Delays: Merle Hay Rd can back up between 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM. If possible, leave 15 minutes early or use side streets like 63rd St or University Ave as alternates.
For real-time navigation, Google Maps or Waze are highly reliable in this corridor. Both apps factor in construction, accidents, and school zones—common on Merle Hay near Urbandale High School.
How Does Traffic Affect This Route?
Traffic in the Des Moines–Urbandale corridor is generally smooth, but certain hotspots can cause delays:
| Time of Day | Common Bottlenecks | Avg. Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday AM (7–9 AM) | Merle Hay Rd & 63rd St | 4–7 minutes |
| Weekday PM (4–6 PM) | Merle Hay Rd & Douglas Ave | 5–10 minutes |
| Weekend | Minimal congestion | <2 minutes |
According to the Iowa DOT 2024 Traffic Report, Merle Hay Road sees over 25,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest north-south corridors in Polk County. However, recent resurfacing projects (completed in late 2024) have improved pavement quality and reduced pothole-related slowdowns.
📊 Source: Iowa Department of Transportation – Urban Traffic Monitoring
Public Transit or Ride Share: Is It Feasible?
While driving is the most practical option, public transit is available—but limited.
- DSM Connect (DART bus): Route 86 runs along Merle Hay Rd, with stops near 60th St and 86th St.
- Travel time: ~30–35 minutes (including wait time)
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes on weekdays
- Cost: $1.50 per ride
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Estimated fare = $12–$16 one-way. Surge pricing may apply during peak hours.
For daily commuters, driving remains the fastest and most flexible choice. But if you’re avoiding parking hassles near Urbandale’s retail centers (like Jordan Creek Town Center), rideshare is a solid alternative.
Safety & Road Conditions: What You Should Know
The route from Creston Ave to Plumb Drive is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. However, keep these tips in mind:
- School Zones: Near Urbandale Middle School (on 86th St), speed limits drop to 20 mph during school hours (7:30–8:30 AM and 2:30–3:30 PM).
- Winter Driving: Iowa winters bring snow and ice. Merle Hay Rd is plowed regularly, but side streets like Plumb Drive may take longer to clear.
- Always carry an emergency kit: ice scraper, blanket, phone charger.
- Bike Lanes: Merle Hay has shared bike lanes—watch for cyclists, especially in summer.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Polk County saw a 12% decrease in traffic incidents from 2022 to 2024 due to improved signal timing and crosswalk visibility. That’s good news for your daily drive.
For more on urban planning and road safety in Iowa, see Wikipedia’s entry on Urbandale, Iowa.
Alternate Routes to Avoid Construction or Accidents
Sometimes, Merle Hay isn’t your best bet. Here are two reliable detours:
Option 1: Via University Ave (Scenic & Less Congested)
- From Creston Ave, go north to University Ave.
- Turn left, then right onto 86th St.
- Left onto Plumb Drive.
✅ Best for: avoiding Merle Hay traffic; slightly longer but quieter
Option 2: Via 63rd St & Douglas Ave
- Take 63rd St north from Creston Ave.
- Turn right on Douglas Ave, then left on Plumb Drive.
✅ Best for: quicker access if starting south of 60th St
Both add 1–3 minutes but can save you from major delays during accidents.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is Plumb Drive in Urbandale easy to find?
Yes! Plumb Drive runs parallel to Merle Hay Rd and is well-signed. It’s located just west of the Jordan Creek area, near popular spots like Hy-Vee and Target.
Q2: How long does it take during rush hour?
Expect 18–25 minutes during peak times (7:30–9:00 AM or 4:30–6:00 PM). Use Waze for live rerouting.
Q3: Can I walk or bike this route?
Not recommended. The distance is 6+ miles, and parts lack sidewalks or bike lanes. It’s also not pedestrian-friendly near commercial zones.
Q4: Are there tolls on this route?
No. All roads between Des Moines and Urbandale are toll-free.
Q5: What’s near Plumb Drive in Urbandale?
You’ll find retail centers, medical offices (like MercyOne), schools, and residential neighborhoods. It’s a mixed-use area with easy access to highways.
Q6: Is parking available near Plumb Drive?
Yes—most businesses offer free surface parking. Residential sections have street parking (check for permit requirements).
Conclusion
Driving from 6000 Creston Ave, Des Moines to Plumb Drive, Urbandale IA is a straightforward, quick trip—if you know the best route and timing. With this guide, you’ve got everything: step-by-step directions, traffic insights, safety tips, and even transit alternatives. Whether you’re commuting daily or visiting for the first time, you’re now equipped to navigate like a local.
Found this helpful? Share it on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram to help a friend plan their trip! And if you’ve driven this route before, drop your own tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear them.
Safe travels! 🚗💨
Leave a Reply