Overview of Project

Interstate 35 is a key north-south transportation corridor that moves traffic throughout Iowa and connects with other states between Mexico and Canada. Traffic on I-35 in central Iowa has seen consistent growth over the past four decades and the trend is expected to continue. In order to accommodate the additional traffic, improvements are needed. The Iowa DOT has been working to widen the interstate to six lanes between Ankeny and Huxley for the last few years and we are now looking to the next phase between Huxley and Ames which includes improvements at the I-35/U.S. 30 interchange.  The proposed project includes the following:

• Reconstruct and widen I-35 to 6 lanes between 1st Street in Huxley and U.S. 30 in Ames
• Replace I-35 bridges over U.S. 30
• Reconstruct and lower U.S. 30 through the I-35/U.S. 30 interchange to improve vertical clearance
• Reconstruct 3 existing loop ramps at the U.S. 30/I-35 interchange as well as the slip ramp from eastbound U.S. 30 to southbound I-35 to match with the newly lowered U.S. 30 lanes

Traffic on U.S. 30 and I-35 will be maintained during construction although some lane closures or short-term overnight closures should be expected. The project also requires permanently closing 564th Avenue between 280th and 290th Streets. Right-of-way acquisition is needed for the project. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2030.

Map of the Project

Schedule