Ramp to close Monday at I-80/I-380 interchange

Changes to the flow of traffic at the Interstate 80-380 interchange are coming next week.

The biggest change for drivers will be the permanent closure of the westbound I-80 ramp to southbound Highway 218. The closure will take effect at 11 p.m. Monday, the Iowa Department of Transportation District 6 office said in a news release.

Traffic will be detoured to exit 237, Ireland Avenue, to circle back onto I-80 eastbound and to the Highway 218 southbound ramp at exit 239.

Drivers should expect “longer travel times” and delays during the detour, according to the DOT.

Traffic signals will be placed at both ramp intersections at Ireland Avenue to assist with traffic flow. A diagram of the closure and detour are on the DOT website.

The ramp closure will allow for construction of new bridges and roadway and a new ramp, the DOT said.

The detour will remain in place until the new ramp opens, which is anticipated in late 2023, the news release said.

3 short-term traffic changes

The DOT also announced three additional traffic changes at the interchange:

The construction work is part of a multiyear redesign to replace all four loops of the interchange with directional ramps.

Additionally, parts of I-380 north of I-80 and parts of Highway 218 south of I-80 will be widened, as will I-80 on both sides of the interchange

The project — one of the state’s top priorities — is expected to continue through 2024.

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