Mason City, Iowa – March 3, 2025 – If you drive on Interstate 35 and use the on- and off-ramps at the 4th Avenue South interchange (exit 193) in Clear Lake you need to know about an upcoming project that may slow down your trip.

On Wednesday, March 12, weather permitting, crews will close the on-ramp for northbound I-35 and the off-ramp for southbound I-35 at Exit 193 so bridge work in the outside lanes of I-35 can take place.

You will follow a detour when driving in either direction. When traveling southbound on I-35, you will use Exit 194 to reach U.S. 18/Iowa 122 in Clear Lake, then travel east to Jonquil Avenue, and south to 4th Avenue South (see map). When you need to reach northbound I-35 from 4th Avenue South you will be detoured on 4th Avenue west to Jonquil Avenue and then back west on Iowa 122 to reach Exit 194. 

The ramp closures and detour routes are expected to be in place through Memorial Day.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or X (find links on our 511 Social Media Sites page); or download the free app to your mobile device.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

For general information about this project, contact Jason Ruter, Iowa DOT Mason City construction office, at 641-430-2367 or jason.ruter@iowadot.us.