I-380 could widen to six lanes between Cedar Rapids and North Liberty

Transportation commission reserves land for I-380 widening.

Jul. 13, 2021 4:32 pm, Updated: Jul. 13, 2021 7:47 pm

Traffic travels along Interstate 380 just north of Swisher during the evening rush hour on July 2, 2013. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

A transportation commission has established a buffer zone that would allow for the eventual widening of Interstate 380 to six lanes between North Liberty and Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa Transportation Commission on Tuesday approved a Corridor Preservation Zone along I-380. Iowa Department of Transportation district transportation planner Cathy Cutler said the zone helps the DOT work with developers to ensure they don’t build in an area needed to widen the interstate.

Stuart Anderson, director of Iowa DOT’s planning, programming and modal division, told the transportation commission that development in the area in question is increasing and “there are several areas that have high potential for growth.” The preservation zone will help preserve the right of way, Anderson said.

Cutler said a section that would widen I-380 near North Liberty is planned for a 2024 start. The $40 million price tag for that project also includes a rebuild of the Penn Street interchange, she said. No other sections are scheduled, Cutler said.

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