Westbound I-35/80 Closures in Des Moines Begin Oct. 16 for Saylor Creek Bridge Repairs
AMES, Iowa – Oct. 7, 2026 – Significant weekend closures on Interstate 35/80 in Des Moines will begin Friday, Oct. 16, to complete necessary bridge deck patching on the Saylor Creek Bridge, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) District 1 office. This work is essential to maintain long-term safety and mobility on one of the metro area’s busiest corridors.
Closure Schedule
Work will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct.16, and all lanes and ramps are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, weather permitting.
Traffic Impacts
Westbound I-35/80 will be reduced to one open lane, with two lanes closed to allow crews to complete repairs safely and efficiently. The lane closures will occur between the westbound exit ramp to 2nd Ave. (exit 135) and extend a half mile west of 2nd Ave. In addition, several westbound ramps will be closed throughout the project:
- I-235 eastbound to I-80 westbound loop ramp (Northeast Mixmaster)
- I-35 southbound to I-80 westbound ramp (Northeast Mixmaster)
- U.S. 69 (NE 14th Street) northbound to I-80 westbound loop
- U.S. 69 (NE 14th Street) southbound to I-80 westbound ramp
- IA 415 (2nd Avenue) northbound turn lane to I-80 westbound
- IA 415 (2nd Avenue) southbound to I-80 westbound ramp
Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes on I-235 when possible. We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete this important maintenance work to improve the condition and reliability of the interstate system.
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 questions about this project, contact Allison Smyth, District 1 office, at 515-239-1635 or [email protected]
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