The westbound Interstate 80/northbound I-29 segment of the dual, divided freeway is expected to open to traffic on Wednesday, March 27, weather permitting. Several overnight closures and detours will be in place on the evenings before the traffic shift occurs, according to the Council Bluffs Interstate Project Office.

Closures will occur as follows:

Sunday, March 24:

  • Westbound I-80 is expected to be closed at southbound I-29 (exit 4), from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. During this closure, motorists on westbound I-80 and southbound I-29 will use the westbound I-80 Express and will not have access to South Expressway, 24th Street, or northbound I-29. Northbound I-29 traffic will follow the westbound I-80 Express detour and continue to 13th Street (exit 454), where drivers can turn around and use northbound I-29 (exit 1a).
  • The southbound I-29 exit to westbound I-80 (exit 51), is expected to be closed from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Drivers will continue on southbound I-29 to 24th Street (exit 52), and follow the detour to westbound I-80.
  • Drivers wishing to access westbound I-80/northbound I-29 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. at 24th Street and South Expressway will need to follow the detour to U.S. 275/Veterans Memorial Bridge Road.

Monday, March 25:

  • Westbound I-80 will be closed at southbound I-29 (exit 4), from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Motorists on westbound I-80 and northbound I-29 will use the westbound I-80 Express and will not have access to the South Expressway, 24th Street, or northbound I-29 during the closure. Northbound I-29 traffic will follow the westbound I-80 Express detour and continue to 13th Street (exit 454), where drivers can turn around and use northbound I-29 (exit 1a).
  • Drivers wishing to access westbound I-80/northbound I-29 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. at 24th Street and South Expressway will need to follow the detour to Nebraska Avenue and I-29.

Tuesday, March 26:

  • The 24th Street on-ramp to westbound I-80/northbound I-29 northbound will remain closed for the day.
  • At the West System Interchange, westbound I-80 drivers traveling to Omaha will need to use the right lanes to access westbound I-80 (exit 51). Northbound I-29 motorists will use the left lanes to travel on northbound I-29.
  • Westbound I-80 will be closed at southbound I-29 (exit 4), from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Drivers should follow the detour to U.S. 275/Iowa 92, where drivers can turn around and use northbound I-29.

By Wednesday morning, March 27, drivers will be able to travel on newly constructed westbound I-80 Express and northbound I-29/westbound I-80 local dual, divided freeway. This design physically separates through traffic on I-80 from local traffic on I-29 destined for Council Bluffs. Drivers wanting to travel within Council Bluffs will choose local lanes to access exits. If drivers accidentally choose Express lanes and need to go back to a Council Bluffs exit, drivers can exit at 13th Street in Omaha, Nebraska and turn around.

Drivers should note that westbound I-80 Express traffic destined for northbound I-29 (exit 1) will not be able to access the exit until the permanent pavement is constructed in approximately three months. In the meantime, drivers should use northbound I-29 /westbound I-80 local lanes.

The Iowa DOT encourages motorists to follow signs and use caution while becoming accustomed to the traffic shift. An online meeting was developed at www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDOT.gov to explain the upcoming changes and impacts to travelers and local businesses in the area.

Iowa DOT strives to minimize the impact construction has on travel and businesses. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit the program website at www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDOT.gov. You can also contact the program office at 712-216-3339 or info@CouncilBluffsInterstate.com.

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.