Frequently Asked questions
WHAT IS THE I-80/I-380 SYSTEMS INTERCHANGE PROJECT?
The I-80/I-380 Systems Interchange Project is a comprehensive redesign that will improve interstate and regional travel. The project is in Johnson County at the junction of Interstate 80 (I-80), Interstate 380 (I-380) and United States Highway 218 (U.S. 218). This important regional transportation hub is located within the cities of Coralville and Tiffin and serves the greater Iowa City metropolitan area. This project will reconstruct the interchange and add lanes, allowing more vehicles to travel safely and reliably through the area.
WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED?
This project is located at the juncture of I-80 and I-380 near Coralville, between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. This map illustrates the future systems interchange.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE I-80/I-380 SYSTEMS INTERCHANGE PROJECT?
This critical project will make it easier and safer for both commuters and freight haulers to travel through the area. The interchange is a major crossroads for the state of Iowa and the rest of the nation. As one of the busiest interchanges in the state, I-80/I-380 is a vital link in the state and nation’s overall connectivity, mobility, freight movement, and economic well-being. Installing new directional ramps will increase the safety and flow of traffic, replacing the current loop ramps that cause congestion and safety issues due to weaving traffic.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF I-80/I-380 SYSTEMS INTERCHANGE PROJECT?
Once the project is completed, we expect to see significantly fewer crashes, which means fewer injuries and fatalities. Over the next 30 years, models predict approximately 64 million fewer hours of traffic delays and the estimated typical trip will be 5-35 percent more reliable or more likely to arrive on time than is happening right now.
WHAT ARE THE OVERALL CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR THE I-80/I-380 SYSTEMS INTERCHANGE?
Interstate 80 will be widened to six lanes (plus auxiliary lanes) between Ireland Avenue and I-380 and eight lanes (plus auxiliary lanes) between I-380 and Coral Ridge Avenue. Interstate 380 will be widened to six lanes from I-80 to approximately one mile north of the Forevergreen Road interchange. U.S. 218/IA 27 will be widened to six lanes from the interchange to approximately two miles south of I-80. Auxiliary lanes (lanes between ramps) will be added in some locations along I-80 and I-380 in the project area.
HOW can I learn about construction and TRAFFIC IMPACTS IN MY AREA
For traveler information, real time construction and roadway condition alerts, the public can access Iowa’s 511 system through web and mobile applications for the first and best information about traffic impacts in the area. Log on to www.511ia.org or the 511 app to sign up for traffic alerts and notifications.
As each component of the project progresses, this website, social media, and publications will provide construction updates.
We invite you to use this website as the main information source related to current and future construction activities. Please visit the site to learn about changes or updates to the project design or schedule and to view any information provided at public meetings. If you have specific questions, please contact us.
For social media alerts Like and Follow our I-80/I-380 Systems Interchange Facebook page for the project.
Travel times for the I-380/U.S. 218 corridor and I-80 in the project area are being displayed on message boards to give travelers a clearer picture of traffic impacts they may encounter. The travel time will be shown during peak morning and evening rush hour travel times.
WHAT CONSTRUCTION EFFORTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN 2023?
For information on 2023 construction efforts visit the Construction Updates page.
HOW LONG WILL CONSTRUCTION TAKE PLACE?
Traffic impacts due to construction of the I-80/I-380 interchange are expected to continue through the 2024 construction season, with final erosion control expected in 2025.
IF I OWN A BUSINESS IN THE PROJECT AREA, HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED?
We understand that this interchange is a primary gateway from the west for the Iowa City area and from the south for Cedar Rapids. The interchange provides direct access between two significant job markets. Nearly 18,000 Johnson and Linn county residents live in one county and work in the other, and an estimated 35,000 daily trips are taken between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids for school, shopping, and recreation. Additionally, this interchange is often traveled by visitors, students, and patients of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. We are committed to minimizing the impact to travelers and local businesses. If you are interested in discussing how construction might affect your business, please contact us for additional resources or to schedule a meeting.
IF I AM A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA AND HAVE QUESTIONS, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If you are a member of the media and have question about the I-80/I-380 systems interchange reconstruction project, please contact Cathy Cutler, District 6 Transportation Planner for Iowa Department of Transportation at 319-364-0235 or email Catherine.Cutler@IowaDOT.us.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES?
The interchange project is tentatively scheduled, however years 2023 and beyond are subject to refinement based on funding and project coordination needs. To view the full schedule, view the project schedule web page.