Iowa drivers can expect overnight closures next week as construction projects on I-80 affect travel. Portions of I-80 will be detoured near First Avenue in Coralville and near Lower West Branch Road as crews conduct bridge work.
A segment of Lower West Branch Road will close until 2026. A portion of road that crosses over I-80 closed Wednesday, Feb. 28 as crews began preperations to demolish the bridge.
The new construction is part of the widening I-80 project tthat began in 2022, expanding I-80 to 6 lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions. The project is anticipated to take another 3 years to complete.
The Iowa Department of Transportation said drivers should expect delays between Iowa City and West Branch.
The Lower West Branch Road bridge demolition will begin next week, with portions of the interstate closed overnight Monday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 5.
The eastbound lane of I-80 from exit 249 to the exit 254 will be closed starting at 11 p.m. Monday, March 4 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 5. The Iowa DOT will establish a detour at exit 249 directing drivers along F-44 to exit 254.
The westbound lane of I-80 will close at 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 from exit 254 to exit 249. Drivers will also be directed to take County Road F-44 at exit 254 to connect with exit 249. The interstate will open again at 5 a.m. Wednesday, March 6.
Construction crews will start building the new bridge after demolishing the old one. The total cost of the 6-year I-80 widening project is $100 million.
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Source: MSN.com
