I-380 & Penn Street

Project Summary

Iowa DOT will be reconstructing and widening I-380 between Penn Street and the Iowa River, and the Penn Street interchange at I-380. This project is vital to increasing capacity and improving safety along the I-380 corridor and improving traveler experience for all drivers. In addition, Penn Street improvements will be completed from Herky St. to Heartland Way/Kansas Avenue.

Impacts to the public during the life of this projects include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Overnight interstate lane closures
  • Ramp closures, both overnight and long-term
  • Rest area closures
  • City street lane and shoulder closures for reconstruction
  • short term full street closures on side streets, as needed, for utility construction

Improvements include additional lanes along I-380, increasing truck parking at the southbound rest area, and creating a safer roadway by reconfiguring the I-380/Penn Street Interchange. This project will improve both safety and operations for travelers and freight movement.

Project Area

Anticipated Construction Milestones/Project Schedules

This project is paired with one at I-380 and Wright Brothers Boulevard. These projects are anticipated to run from September 2024 through calendar year 2027. The construction schedule is subject to weather and material delays. The current estimated construction milestones are listed below:

Milestone Anticipated Date
Between 120th Street and Hwy 30, and Wright Brothers Blvd Interchange
Northbound traffic shift Spring 2025
Northbound Rest Area Closure 2-3 months in 2025
Wright Brothers Boulevard to I-380 Southbound Ramp Closure 2026
Southbound Rest Area Closure 2027
Anticipated End of Construction End of 2027
Between I-80 and the Iowa River, and Penn Street Interchange
Penn St to I-380 North bound Ramp 3 months in 2025
I-380 Southbound to Penn St Ramp 3 months in 2025
I-380 Northbound to Penn St Ramp 3 months in 2026
Penn St. to I-380 Southbound Ramp 3 months in 2026
Anticipated End of Construction End of 2027

FAQs

What long-term closures can be expected during this project?

  • Northbound rest area closed approximately 2-3 months in spring/summer 2025
  • Ramps north of Penn St. closed approximately 3 months per ramp in 2025
  • Ramps south of Penn St. closed approximately 3 months per ramp in 2026
  • Southbound rest area closed approximately one year in 2027
  • Southbound I-380 Interchange Ramp from Wright Brothers Boulevard, closed approximately 2-3 months in 2026
  • Westbound U.S. 30 to Southbound I-380 loop ramp, closed approximately 10 days in late 2026

What Construction Impacts are Expected for travelers, residents, and businesses along Wright Brothers Blvd. SW?

  • Overnight interstate closures for sign truss removal and installation, bridge demo and construction
  • Reconstruction and widening of the corners of the intersection of Wright Brothers Boulevard and 6th
  • Reconstruction and widening of the intersection of Earhart Ln and Wright Brothers Boulevard
  • Widening of Wright Brothers Blvd east of Earhart Lane
  • Reconstruction of Wright Brother Boulevard shoulders
  • Widening of northbound Earhart Lane on the south side of Wright Brothers Blvd
  • Reconstruction of all Ramps at I-380 Penn Street in 2025-2026

How can I get more information on this project?

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Key Project Contacts

Iowa DOT
John Lamping
[email protected]
515-766-9449

 

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