Iowa DOT announces interstate ramp closures impacting summer commutes
The Iowa Department of Transportation will close several interstate ramps near Hickman and I-35/80 starting May 5, causing detours for metro commuters throughout the summer as construction progresses to add a third lane in both directions between University and Douglas.
The northbound entrance ramp at Hickman Road and the northbound exit ramp at Douglas will close on May 5 and remain closed until August. A new concrete retaining wall at Hickman will facilitate the construction of an entrance ramp.
"We've gone about as far as we can go now without affecting anybody, and we're going to go ahead and move forward and do that closure so that we can complete our work in that area," said Frank Leong, a DOT construction engineer.
Earlier this month, the DOT closed the southbound entrance ramp at Hickman and the exit ramp at University, which will also remain closed until August. The DOT has been monitoring delays caused by these closures and reports that the delays have not been significant.
"We're seeing about maybe a two-minute delay from getting people to their destination, unlike what we're seeing when the ramp was open. So, good news there," Leong said.
Closing ramps for four months will affect thousands of drivers on the west side of the metro, but most seem to be taking the changes in stride.
"Just more time you have to plan for. It will improve. It will be worth the wait," said driver Nate Vangundy.
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