GRIMES, Iowa – Jan. 13, 2026 – Please see updated information below related to the University entrance ramp on Interstate 35/I-80 from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Grimes Construction office.
The Northbound I-35/Eastbound I-80 entrance ramp at University Avenue and exit ramp at Hickman Road/U.S. 6 were closed to traffic on Sept. 3, 2025. This allowed our construction crews to reconstruct those ramps. Work was also underway to construct a new bridge over Walnut Creek that would carry traffic between the two interchanges. The bridge and ramps were all expected to be completed and open to traffic by the end of 2025.
Due to inclement weather during the construction season, the bridge construction was delayed and we were not able to open the ramps as anticipated. We recently reconfigured some of the lanes on I-80 and I-235 in an effort to open the University ramp. However, there continues to be an issue with safety and traffic backing up on I-80 and I-235. Therefore, the decision has been made to delay opening the University ramp until the Walnut Creek bridge is completed and we can open both ramps and the new lanes at the same time, in a manner that is safe for the traveling public. We expect that to happen sometime in the spring of 2026, likely in April or May.
Visit the Iowa DOT website at https://iowadot.gov/modes-travel/roads-highways/major-construction-projects/des-moines-area-interstate-projects for additional information about construction at the U.S. 6/Hickman Road interchange.
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 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 about this project contact Frank Leong, Grimes construction office, at 515-239-1336 or frank.leong@iowadot.us.
1020 S. 4th St.
Ames, IA 50010