AMES, Iowa – September 4, 2025 – Expected overflow traffic for the annual Iowa vs. Iowa State rivalry and multiple work zones are prompting Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol officials to encourage fans to use suggested routes to and from Jack Trice Stadium to alleviate congestion on U.S. 30.
With high traffic volumes anticipated on I-35 and Ames for the 11 a.m. kickoff, multiple northbound and southbound routes are established to help motorists reach their destinations faster. See map below:
- Pregame Southbound I-35 - Fans traveling on southbound on I-35 are encouraged to exit at 13th St. west, then turning left on Dayton Ave., and turning right on E. Lincoln Way to University Blvd.
- Pregame Northbound I-35 Exit 96 – Fans traveling northbound on I-35 have two options to access the stadium by taking Elkhart Exit 96 west to U.S. 69 north, then turning left on Iowa 210 west to Slater. Turn right on Linn St./510th Ave./South Dakota Ave. Cross over U.S. 30 and turn right onto Mortenson Road east to University Blvd.
- (Fans who want to use U.S. 69 through Huxley, need to be aware that a city work zone may include a segment of single-lane traffic that could slow travel.)
- Pregame Northbound I-35 Exit 126 – Fans traveling northbound on I-35 should use the flyover ramp to take westbound U.S. 30 and exit at University Blvd.
- Postgame Northbound I-35 traffic should take northbound University Blvd., turning right at E. Lincoln Way and left at northbound Dayton Ave. Turn right at 13th St. and follow under I-35 to the northbound I-35 entrance ramp.
- Postgame Southbound I-35 traffic can choose to go south on University Blvd. to eastbound U.S. 30 east or south on University Blvd. to Mortenson Parkway/Road, turning left and south on South Dakota Ave./510th Ave./Linn St. to Slater. Turn left on westbound Iowa 210 to U.S. 69. Turn left at 126th Ave. and follow to the I-35 entrance ramp.
Many DOT construction projects and work zones remain active in central Iowa through the football season. Those include multiple improvements underway at Des Moines’ I-35 Douglas Avenue and Hickman Road exchanges. On I-35 between Ankeny and Huxley, crews are working to build a series of new bridges over the interstate and add a third lane in each direction. Other key projects in the area include work in Ames on U.S. 30 between Duff Avenue and Dayton Avenue.
Gameday Resources and Travel Tips
- Check the 511 Iowa Traveler Information Map to see the latest work zone information.
- See the Iowa DOT’s Major Construction Projects webpage.
- Visit Des Moines Area Interstate Projects for detailed project information, follow the DSM Interstates Facebook page, and sign up for email updates.
- Allow extra time to reach your destination and be prepared for work zone delays and follow posted speed limits. Remember, someone’s family member is doing their job just feet away from you.
- Be extra attentive and alert in work zones where there could be narrow lanes, bumper-to-bumper traffic, reduced speeds, intermittent closures, and changing patterns as work progresses.
- Help Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol to minimize the risk of potential impacts by following the speed limit, not driving distracted, wearing seat belts, allowing ample space between vehicles, and planning for sober drivers. Be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones.
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 at https://iowadot.gov/travel-tools/iowa-511/511-social-media-sites); 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.
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For general questions on gameday traffic, contact Frank Leong, Grimes construction office, at 515-986-2863 or frank.leong@iowadot.us orIowa State Patrol’s Sgt. Alex Dinkla at 515-443-6644 or alex.dinkla@dps.state.ia.us.