GRIMES, Iowa — Significant traffic impacts will occur in the next few weeks due to the ongoing work at the Interstate 35/80 and Iowa 141 Urban Loop interchange — formerly the Rider Corner — in Urbandale, according to a statement issued Friday by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) construction office here.
Motorists are urged to find alternative routes if possible in order to reduce back-ups and delays. Details of the work in the area include the following:
The entrance ramp from eastbound Iowa 141 to southbound I-35/80 will close at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, weather permitting. Additionally, the east- and westbound I-35/80 exit ramps at the interchange will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, as well. The ramp closures are necessary to realign the ramps as part of the interchange reconstruction and interstate widening work between 100th Street and Douglas Avenue.
The entrance ramp from eastbound IA 141 to southbound I-35/80 is expected to reopen near the end of September and the westbound I-35/80 exit ramp to Iowa 141 is expected to reopen in mid-October. The eastbound exit loop from I-35/80 to Iowa 141 will be replaced by an exit ramp from northbound I-35/80 at Meredith Drive and the new flyover exit from northbound I-35/80 to westbound Iowa 141, both of which are expected to open at the end of August.
The entrance ramp from Iowa 141 to eastbound I-35/80 will remain open for now but will close for reconstruction later in the season. Motorists should follow the marked detour route using Iowa 141/Urbandale Drive, Plum Drive, 100th Street and the 100th Street interchange during construction.
In addition to the ramp work, the inside lane of both eastbound and westbound Iowa 141 between 41st Street and Johnson Drive in Grimes will be closed for approximately 2.5 weeks while crews reconstruct the left turn lanes at 37th Street starting Wednesday night, Aug.19. The left-turn lanes on Iowa 141 at 37th Street will also be closed as well.
In order to maintain the option for traffic to turn left onto 37th Street from both directions, the traffic signals will be temporarily re-programmed to allow straight and left-turn movements together in one direction at a time on Iowa 141. This change may cause significant backups on Iowa 141 and 37th Street during busy times of day. Travelers are urged to find alternative routes if possible in order to reduce back-ups and delays.
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.
