NEWS RELEASES

I-235 will be undergoing another major traffic shift

AMES, Iowa – March 16, 2007 – Monday, March 19, highway contractors working on the I-235 reconstruction project in Des Moines will begin setting up traffic control barriers in preparation for the final, major traffic shift along the corridor. 

It will take the contractor several days to complete the traffic shift.  Motorists can expect to be diverted to the new traffic pattern by mid-week.

Once completed, the eastbound mainline exit ramp at E. 6th Street will not be available.  The Iowa DOT recommends use of the E. 14th Street exit ramp as the best alternative.

During this final phase of mainline construction, the eastbound lanes from Keo Way to the Penn Avenue interchange will be closed and traffic diverted to the new westbound lanes in head-to-head traffic conditions.  Two travel lanes in both directions will still be available.

For a map detailing the closures and depicting the new traffic pattern, visit http://www.i235.com/traffic_shift_route.htm.

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Contact: Bill Lusher, Iowa DOT, District 1 Office, 515-237-3300 or william.lusher@dot.iowa.gov.