UPDATE — DOT says I-35 both directions likely to open late this afternoon

UPDATED AT 2:40 PM

NORTHBOUND INTERSTATE 35 EXPECTED TO OPEN LATER THIS AFTERNOON

POSTED ON: FEBRUARY 25, 2019

AMES, Iowa – Feb. 25, 2019 – The Iowa Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Iowa State Patrol, is expected to reopen northbound Interstate 35 from Exit 111 (U.S. 30 at Ames) north to the Minnesota border late this afternoon. Northbound I-35 will likely not be open for the start of the afternoon rush hour.

Both the Iowa and Minnesota departments of transportation have been coordinating the opening of I-35 so that there are safe routes of travel for all northbound traffic moving from Iowa into Minnesota. Please remember that you should not expect the roadway to be in normal winter driving conditions in most places. Please slow down and use winter driving skills.

Travel in these conditions can be life-threatening, If you can adjust your trip, it is recommended to do so. For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org, call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide). Stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter at www.iowadot.com/511/socialmedia.html.

SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE 35 TO REOPEN AT NOON TODAY; NORTHBOUND REMAINS CLOSED

POSTED ON: FEBRUARY 25, 2019

AMES, Iowa – Feb. 25, 2019 – The Iowa Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Iowa State Patrol, will be reopening southbound Interstate 35 from the Northwood exit south at noon today. Once the interstate opens, winter conditions on the roadway will still make traffic difficult. Please slow down and use caution.

Northbound I-35 will remain closed for the time being. The Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol are working closely with the Minnesota DOT and Minnesota State Patrol to coordinate the opening of the northbound lanes to assure a safe flow of traffic between the two states. We are hopeful the northbound lanes will be reopened later this afternoon.

For large trucks looking for a place to park until the northbound lanes open, please utilize Prairie Meadows in Altoona or Hilton Coliseum in Ames. NOTE: All vehicles must be moved out of the Hilton Coliseum parking lot by 4 p.m. today due to the Iowa State University men’s basketball game tonight.

 For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org, call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide). Stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter at www.iowadot.com/511/socialmedia.html.