Drivers on 1st Avenue at I-80 will have new traffic control patterns starting November 14, 2023
See information below from the Iowa DOT regarding a change in traffic control on 1st Avenue at I-80 starting November 14, 2023, and continuing until mid-December, 2023. See map at bottom.
- Northbound and southbound traffic shifts to the east side of 1st Avenue across I-80 and is one lane in each direction (head-to-head).
- Northbound 1st Avenue approaching E. 9th Street will have only one thru lane. The other thru lane becomes a dedicated right turn lane onto E. 9th Street.
- Once northbound 1st Avenue drivers reach the new bridge over I-80, 1st Avenue will widen to provide a separate left turn lane onto the westbound I-80 on ramp and a through lane to continue north on 1st Avenue.
- Due to the elevation difference between old and new 1st Avenue on the south side of the interchange, eastbound I-80 off-ramp traffic approaching 1st Avenue will not be able to turn left onto northbound 1st Avenue. That movement will be detoured east on I-80 to Exit 244 (Dubuque St), and back west on I-80 to 1st Avenue.
- Southbound 1st Ave. traffic will now be able to turn left onto the eastbound I-80 on ramp again.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is managing this project. Please check their 511ia.org website for project updates and real-time traffic conditions.
About the Project
The Iowa Department of Transportation is reconstructing the interchange at I-80 exit 242 and 1st Avenue with a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Major construction started in March 2023. 1st Avenue is reduced to one lane in each direction over I-80 into fall 2024. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and plan accordingly.
Learn More
Image above: Map of new traffic flow starting November 14, 2023