Final stretch of Interstate 80 work to begin

For the sixth year in a row, summer construction on Interstate 80 will slow traffic through Johnson County.

This week crews began preparing for the final phase of a massive widening project. The work will widen the westbound lanes from the Iowa River bridge to the Herbert Hoover Highway exit.

In mid-April, the section's eastbound lanes will become two-directional and cutovers will be opened to shift westbound traffic through the work zone. The same setup was used last year on the westbound side, and at least five semi-trailer trucks slipped off the narrow shoulder and rolled into the ditch.

Hugh Holak of the Iowa Department of Transportation said such problems aren't expected this year because the now-widened eastbound lanes provide more room to maneuver.

“We never figured out (the cause of) the problem last year,” said Holak, a resident construction engineer at the department's Manchester office. “This year we aren't anticipating any problems.”

Trooper Bob Conrad said the Iowa State Patrol will monitor the area closely during the work.

“We're concerned about it,” he said. “We don't want to see anyone in the ditch.”

He said the speed limit in the area will be reduced to 55 mph as an extra precaution.