AMES, Iowa – March 26, 2026 – If you travel on U.S. 30 over the South Skunk River bridge in Ames, you need to be aware of some upcoming nighttime construction work that may slow down your trip.
This project is a continuation of the work done in 2025 on U.S. 30 at the Skunk River between Duff and Dayton avenues in Ames. This year’s project will replace the existing eastbound U.S. 30 bridge over the Skunk River. New triple box culverts will be constructed on either side of the new bridge. Along with these structures, an additional eastbound lane will be constructed between the interchanges.
While this work is being completed, eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the previously constructed pavement through the remainder of the 2026 construction season.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday, March 29 to 5 a.m. Monday, March 30 , weather permitting, crews will close the westbound lanes of U.S. 30 to allow the set-up of temporary barrier rail roadway.
- On the evening of Monday, March 30, there will be left-lane closures on both east- and westbound U.S. 30 for pavement markings and barrier rail placement, weather permitting.
On the evening of Wednesday, April 1, weather permitting, eastbound U.S. 30 will be closed to allow the set-up of temporary barrier rail and complete painting. Upon reopening of eastbound U.S. 30, at 5 a.m. traffic will be shifted to the median until the new structures and paving are completed.
The eastbound exit ramp to Dayton Avenue will be closed for the entire construction season beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2. For traffic needing to access Dayton Avenue there will be a signed detour route at the Duff Avenue exit and you will continue north on Duff Avenue/U.S. 69, and east on SE 16th Street to Dayton Avenue.
Northbound Duff Avenue/U.S. 69 to the eastbound U.S. 30 on-ramp will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 2.
Upcoming construction activity will require brief interruption of access to eastbound U.S. 30 at Duff Avenue. The timing of that will be announced closure to the time-of-service interruption. There will be a signed detour route for access to U.S. 30 via northbound Duff Avenue/U.S. 69, then east on SE 16th St. to Dayton Avenue during that time.
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For general information about this project contact Jenny Hoskins, Iowa DOT Jefferson construction office, at 515-386-8166 or jenny.hoskins@iowadot.us.
512 W. Clark
P.O. Box 150
Jefferson, IA 50129