DES MOINES, Iowa — Drivers across central Iowa are facing another busy stretch of construction, with multiple Iowa DOT projects moving ahead at the same time in the metro and beyond.
On the north side of the metro, construction continues on Interstate 35 between Ankeny and Ames, where ongoing interstate work can affect drivers traveling in and out of the Des Moines area. That corridor remains a key route for commuters, regional traffic, and drivers moving between central Iowa communities.
In the metro itself, the Southwest Mixmaster remains one of the biggest long-term projects to watch. The Iowa DOT says the interchange reconstruction will eventually bring major changes to traffic flow, including new flyover ramps and a reconfiguration of one of the busiest interchanges in the state. For now, the project is still in the early stages, but more changes are expected as it moves closer to the next phase.
18-year-old injured after crashing into Iowa cornfield
Also on the west side of the metro, the East Mixmaster project to U.S. 65 continues as part of the DOT’s larger effort to rebuild and expand key interstate connections around Des Moines. That work is part of a broader push to handle heavier traffic volumes and improve long-term safety and reliability on some of the metro’s busiest roadways…