DES MOINES, Iowa – April 22, 2026 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), in partnership with the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), recently deployed new automated detection and messaging systems to inform drivers of slow-moving vehicles using the Iowa 5 / U.S. 65 bypass on the east and south sides of the Des Moines metro area. The goal of the project is to support safety on busy roadways by providing better information to drivers whenever slow-moving vehicles are on the high-speed freeway.
The Iowa 5 / U.S. 65 bypass is a four-lane freeway with maximum speeds of 65 mph, connecting Interstate 80 on the northeast of the metro area to I-35 on the southwest. However, slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment are allowed on portions of the roadway, especially as it is the only viable crossing of the Des Moines River for certain agricultural needs. Some larger farm vehicles on the bypass may travel as slow as 14 mph.
The project uses a variety of real-time detection feeds including roadside sensors to identify slow-moving vehicles on the roadway. The information then feeds into flashing beacons and the Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) that are temporarily installed alongside the roadway in selected locations. This informs all drivers that a slow-moving vehicle is ahead, allowing drivers to carefully reduce speed and change lanes to avoid conflicts. The Iowa DOT is also working with equipment manufacturers on a pilot effort to use telematic feeds directly from DOT-owned vehicles such as roadway mowers to help trigger the notifications.
Real-time traveler information is available statewide and on the Iowa 5 / U.S. 65 bypass anytime through the 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.
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For questions about this news release, please contact Matt Miller at 515-231-3980, or matthew.miller@iowadot.us.