Q. Why does anything need to be done to this interchange?
- A: 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.
Q: Why is it necessary to rebuild this interchange?
- A: Traffic congestion is an issue in this area and data shows that traffic volume in this area is projected to increase nearly 35 percent by 2042. The updated interchange will improve traffic flow and increase safety.
Q: Didn’t you just redo parts of this interchange?
- A: Yes. 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.
- 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.
Q: What work will be done in the next few years?
- A: We’re starting 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.
Q: How much traffic goes through this interchange in a day?
- A: The last traffic count was done in 2022 and the traffic volume was 89,000 vehicles per day.
Q: When will construction be completed?
- A: Construction is estimated to be completed in 2028.
Q: Will the bike trails be closed?
- A: Yes. The Chichaqua Valley Trail and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail will be closed during bridge construction. There will be detours in place for the bike trails.
Q: Will there be any road closures?
- A: Yes. Traffic on 38th Street will be detoured from spring 2025 until the end of the project, approximately two and a half years.