If you drive on westbound I-80 near the West Branch interchange (exit 254) you need to be aware of some upcoming traffic shifts and ramp closures that may slow down your trip, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT).
Beginning on Tuesday night, May 20, weather permitting, westbound I-80 traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes of I-80 for reconstruction work on I-80 in Johnson and Cedar counties. Nightly lane closures on east- and westbound I-80 as well as traffic shifts will occur between Johnson County Road F-44, two miles east of the Iowa City area, and Cedar County Road X-40 (exit 259), near West Branch. This work is a continuation of a project to widen I-80 between Iowa City and West Branch.
Construction work will also take place at the West Branch interchange (exit 254). Starting on Tuesday night, May 20, the westbound I-80 entrance and exit ramps will close to allow crews to reconstruct the interchange ramps. During these closures, you will follow a marked detour route that uses the adjacent I-80 interchanges (Exit 259 and Exit 249). The westbound I-80 ramps are expected to reopen near the end of July 2025.
Detour Routes for Westbound I-80 Ramps
When the westbound I-80 exit ramp is closed you will continue west past Exit 254 and exit off I-80 at the Herbert Hoover Highway (exit 249). You will then use the third roundabout exit to get onto westbound Herbert Hoover Highway, then use the third roundabout exit to get onto eastbound I-80 where you will be able to reach Exit 254.
When the westbound I-80 entrance ramp is closed, you will enter eastbound I-80 at Exit 254 and then travel east to Exit 259 where you will exit, turn left, and use the I-80 westbound entrance ramp to resume travel on westbound I-80.
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.
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