Lane restrictions to extend farther west on I-380 near Waterloo
NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – April 25, 2012 – As work continues on the Interstate 380 construction project, the road lane closure for westbound traffic has been extended farther west through the I-380/U.S. 218/U.S. 20 interchange, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation's New Hampton construction office.
As a result, it was necessary to close the ramp at exit 71A that takes westbound I-380/U.S. 20 traffic to southbound U.S. 218. For westbound I-380 traffic wishing to travel southbound on U.S. 218, signage will route traffic approximately 2 miles west to the Iowa 21/Hawkeye Road interchange (exit 230), and then back east approximately 2 miles to the ramp at exit 232A, which is the exit for eastbound U.S. 20 to southbound U.S. 218.
Because of the reduced number of road lanes, travelers in the area are strongly encouraged to find alternative routes while the project is underway to avoid any delays and traffic congestion. Traffic may back up beyond the limits of the work area and motorists should be prepared to come to a complete stop.
The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey 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.
The Iowa DOT has developed a website at http://www.iowadot.gov/i380/ to provide ongoing information related to the I-380 revitalization project. The site includes project details, corridor facts, a project timeline, emergency detour routes, and photos of the project area and construction activities.
For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org, call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide), or follow us on Twitter @StatewidelA511 for all alerts.
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Contact: Pete Hjelmstad at 641-422-9459 or [email protected]