WEST DES MOINES, Iowa– Ramp closures and intermittent lane reductions are starting at the Southwest Mixmaster in West Des Moines as preparation work begins on the $146 million renovation project.
It’s the pre-phase of the three-year project that will add two flyover bridges to the Southwest Mixmaster, similar to what’s currently on the East Mix and near Ames. The project will also add one lane to I-235 from 50th Street to Valley West Drive, along with ramp improvements.
Valley West Mall could finally have new owner as residents look ahead
The Iowa DOT said this is needed to improve traffic flow and safety, with the current system built back in the 1960s and traffic heavily increasing. They also noted that the zipper merge is becoming less safe with increased traffic flow.
Right now, construction crews are performing asphalt overlay to help strengthen some areas to handle more traffic before the full construction gets underway in early 2027. This is causing some overnight closures.
The Southbound on-ramp to I-80/35 from University Ave. and Westbound I-80 onramp from I-80/35 is closed Thursday night from 9 p.m.-5 a.m.
Next Tuesday, Sept. 8, the off-ramp from Westbound I-235 to Southbound I-35 and the off-ramp from I-35 Northbound to I-80 Westbound will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m…