Interstate 80-380 loops to remain closed until next month

CORALVILLE - Loop closures at the Interstate 80-380 interchange have cost drivers extra time and mileage over the last two months, and they will continue for at least another 10 days.

Crews had originally planned to have the cloverleaf ramps back open by mid-July, but additional repair work and unexpected concrete removal slowed the resurfacing project, Cathy Cutler of the Iowa Department of Transportation said Tuesday.

“The loop ramps are going to be open in a week or two here, and we think the entire project will be done by the first week of September,” she said.

John Vu, an engineer at the department's Cedar Rapids office, said the entire project must be complete by Sept. 8, when the University of Iowa Hawkeyes kick off their home football season in Iowa City. Vu estimated that the interchange loops will reopen by Aug. 3, putting crews on pace to complete the project by the new September deadline.

Original plans called for completion in August.

“I have to travel Eastern Iowa - whether I'm traveling north or south, it is a headache every day,” said Jason Ritter of Marengo, who drives around the region for business. “It's really frustrating, honestly. I understand, I know how things get backed up, but it certainly is frustrating every day.”

Ritter said he has been forced to take countless detours as a result of the project.

“Hopefully they'll get it done soon,” he said. “Hopefully by August like they say.”

Cutler said contractors won't be penalized for not completing the project on time because there were unforeseen complications.

“One of the bridges actually had an extra lift of concrete, and when they did the design for the project, they didn't realize it was on there,” she said.