AMES, Iowa – March 16, 2026 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa State Patrol (ISP) are reopening several roadways that were closed due to blizzard conditions on March 15-16:
- I-35 from Ames to the Minnesota state line was opened in both directions starting around 10:00 AM central time.
- I-80 from Council Bluffs to West Des Moines will open in both directions starting around 10:30 AM central time.
- I-80 from Des Moines / Altoona to Iowa City will open in both directions starting around 12:00 noon central time.
- The IA 415 Saylorville Lake Mile Long Bridge opened early this morning.
Although conditions have improved, drivers are still cautioned that roadways may still be impacted by snow and ice. While Iowa DOT crews have been working to clear highways, the low temperatures impact the effectiveness of certain treatments, and winds continue to blow snow across roadways. Iowa 511 may still show conditions of “travel not advised” across parts of the state.
High-profile vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and recreational vehicles should still be driven carefully in high winds, even if not to blizzard conditions. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distances, and consider delaying travel.
