Overnight closure of northbound I-80/I-35 and long-term ramp closures begin Sept. 3

Iowa motorists traveling through the Des Moines metro area should plan for an overnight closure of northbound Interstate 80/Interstate 35 next week as crews install barrier rail. The Iowa Department of Transportation announced that on Wednesday, Sept. 3, northbound I‑80/I‑35 will be fully closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. between the east mixmaster interchange and the Highway 141 interchange. The closure will allow workers to set new barrier rail along the median, a key step in the ongoing reconstruction of the I‑80/I‑35/I‑235 system interchange.

During the overnight work, traffic will be detoured around the closure using eastbound Interstate 235 to the East 14th Street/Highway 69 exit and then back onto northbound I‑35/80 via the entrance ramp. Message boards and signs will direct drivers along the route. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time and pay close attention to changing traffic patterns. The closure is weather‑dependent; if inclement weather occurs, work will shift to the next available evening.

In addition to the short‑term interstate closure, two long‑term ramp closures will begin the following day. Starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, the University Avenue on‑ramp to northbound I‑80/35 will close and remain closed until late December. This ramp carries traffic from University Avenue in Clive and West Des Moines onto the interstate; drivers will be detoured to eastbound I‑235 via 73rd Street and 8th Street. Also on Sept. 4, the U.S. 6/Hickman Road off‑ramp from northbound I‑35/80 will close through late December. Vehicles will instead use the Douglas Avenue exit and follow local streets to Hickman Road.

These closures are part of a multi‑year project to rebuild the I‑35/80/235 system interchange west of Des Moines. The project will widen lanes, replace aging bridges and improve ramp geometry to reduce congestion and crashes. Installing new barrier rail along northbound I‑35/80 is necessary to protect workers and drivers during the next phase of construction. The Iowa DOT urges drivers to slow down, obey signs and stay alert for workers and equipment in the work zone. Travelers can find real‑time traffic information and detour maps at www.511ia.org or by downloading the 511 IA app. The department appreciates the public’s patience as it completes these critical improvements to one of Iowa’s busiest freeway interchanges.