The Iowa Department of Transportation has announced a temporary overnight closure of a section of eastbound Interstate 80 in West Des Moines. The closure is scheduled to begin Thursday night to accommodate ongoing construction work, impacting late-night and early-morning travel through a key metropolitan corridor.
Key Takeaways
- Closure Location: Eastbound I-80 will be closed between Grand Prairie Parkway and the Southwest Mixmaster.
- Timing: The closure begins at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and the interstate will reopen at 5:00 a.m. on Friday.
- Reason: The shutdown is necessary for crews to safely conduct construction activities.
- Official Detour: Drivers will be rerouted via Grand Prairie Parkway and University Avenue to access I-35 southbound or I-235 eastbound.
Detailed Closure Schedule and Location
Motorists traveling through the Des Moines metropolitan area should prepare for a significant overnight route change this week. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), all eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 will be fully closed starting at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The affected segment is located in West Des Moines, stretching from the Grand Prairie Parkway exit (Exit 118) to the Southwest Mixmaster interchange. This critical junction connects I-80 with Interstate 35 and Interstate 235, making it one of the busiest traffic hubs in the region.
The closure will last for eight and a half hours, with all lanes scheduled to reopen to traffic at 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning, ahead of the typical morning commute rush. This overnight schedule is intentionally designed to minimize disruption to the majority of travelers.
Overnight Closure Details
- Start Time: Thursday, 8:30 p.m.
- End Time: Friday, 5:00 a.m.
- Total Duration: 8.5 hours
- Affected Direction: Eastbound I-80 only
Official Detour for Affected Drivers
The Iowa DOT has established a clearly marked detour to guide drivers around the closed section of the interstate. The primary goal of the detour is to provide a safe and efficient alternative for those needing to connect to either southbound I-35 or eastbound I-235 from eastbound I-80.
Motorists on eastbound I-80 will be directed to take the following route:
- Exit I-80 at Grand Prairie Parkway (Exit 118).
- Travel north on Grand Prairie Parkway to University Avenue.
- Turn east onto University Avenue.
- Follow University Avenue to reconnect with the interstate system, providing access to both I-35 and I-235.
Officials urge drivers to follow the posted signs for the detour and to avoid using personal GPS devices for alternate routes, which may lead them onto local roads not equipped to handle interstate traffic volume.
The Southwest Mixmaster
The Southwest Mixmaster is the common name for the complex interchange where I-80, I-35, and I-235 converge in the western Des Moines suburbs. As a vital connection point for local, regional, and cross-country traffic, any construction or closures in this area require careful planning and clear communication to prevent major traffic congestion.
Purpose of the Construction Work
While the Iowa DOT did not specify the exact nature of the construction, overnight closures like this are standard procedure for major infrastructure projects. They allow crews to work safely and efficiently on tasks that would be too dangerous or disruptive to perform with live traffic present.
These activities often include:
- Overhead bridge work
- Pavement repairs or replacement
- Installation of new signage or lighting
- Lane restriping
By scheduling the work during late-night and early-morning hours, when traffic volumes are at their lowest, transportation agencies aim to reduce the overall impact on commuters and commercial shipping. This approach enhances worker safety and often allows for the completion of significant work in a condensed timeframe.
Advice for Travelers
Drivers who must travel through West Des Moines during the closure period are advised to plan ahead. Even with a designated detour, travelers should expect some delays and add extra time to their journey. Checking real-time traffic applications before departing can provide the most current information on conditions along the detour route.
Commercial truck drivers and long-distance travelers on I-80 should be particularly aware of the closure and plan their routes or rest stops accordingly. The Iowa DOT emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to all road signs and being alert for construction vehicles entering or exiting the work zone.
"The Iowa Department of Transportation reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones," a general advisory from the agency often states, highlighting the need for increased driver vigilance during construction periods.
This temporary closure is part of a broader effort to maintain and improve Iowa's interstate highway system, ensuring its safety and reliability for the thousands of vehicles that use it daily.
