Des Moines Area Interstate Projects

• WHAT : The progress you see at the Northeast Mixmaster is a continuation of reconstruction that began back in 2008. The completed work includes new bridges over I-80 between I-35 and I-235 and resurfacing of the existing I-80 bridges.

Here’s a rundown of what has been done and what we still need to finish.

• In 2016, the NE 54th Avenue bridge over I-35 was reconstructed to make room for the new ramp from westbound I-80 to northbound I-35. This ramp is currently under construction under the east side of this bridge.
• In 2017, the Delaware Avenue bridge over I-35/80 was reconstructed to make room for the new eastbound I-35/80 ramp to westbound I-235 and to northbound I-35 that is currently under construction.
• In 2023, grading work for a new eastbound I-80 to westbound I-235 and eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35 ramp and westbound I-80 to northbound I-35 ramp were completed. Work also started on a new bridge from eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35 started along with a new bridge over NE 29th St. for the westbound I-80 ramp to northbound I-35 was constructed.
• In 2024, paving will be completed for the ramps and bridges.

• WHY : Interchanges like this are designed to allow a certain number of vehicles to safely pass through each of the ramps. Data shows that the number of vehicles passing through this area will exceed the current maximum capacity by 2030. Increasing the capacity now not only improves safety in the short term it allows for safe travels for decades to come.
• HOW : Since there are several bridges and roads being reconstructed or updated, we’ve taken a carefully planned, phased approach to the area.
• WHEN : Building on the work that has already been done, the next phase will begin in the summer of 2024 and continue over the next three years. This work includes the reconstruction/addition of lanes so that there will be four eastbound and four westbound lanes between the Northeast Mixmaster and U.S. 65. Work includes new bridges at NE 29th Street, NE 38th Street and over Fourmile Creek. Traffic on 38th Street will be detoured from spring 2025 until the end of the project, approximately two and a half years.
• PROJECT BUDGET : $76 million