Interstate 35 Reopens in North-Central Iowa

Highways reopen as blizzard conditions improve across the state

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:46pm

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The Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol have begun reopening several major highways, including Interstate 35 from Ames to the Minnesota border, that were closed over the weekend due to a blizzard. Interstate 80 has also been reopening in stages, with the stretch from Council Bluffs to West Des Moines and the section from the Des Moines and Altoona area east to Iowa City now passable. While conditions have improved, officials warn drivers to use caution as some roads remain snow-covered or icy.

Why it matters

The reopening of these major interstates and highways is crucial for restoring travel and commerce across north-central Iowa after the disruptive winter storm. The closures had caused significant delays and disruptions, and the gradual reopening will help get people and goods moving again.

The details

The Iowa DOT and State Patrol began reopening Interstate 35 in both directions from Ames to the Minnesota border around 10 a.m. on Monday. Interstate 80 has also been reopening in stages, with the stretch from Council Bluffs to West Des Moines reopening around 10:30 a.m. and the section from the Des Moines and Altoona area east to Iowa City reopening around noon. The Iowa 415 Mile Long Bridge over Saylorville Lake also reopened earlier Monday morning.

  • Interstate 35 reopened around 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Council Bluffs to West Des Moines stretch of Interstate 80 reopened around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Des Moines and Altoona area to Iowa City stretch of Interstate 80 reopened around noon on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Iowa 415 Mile Long Bridge over Saylorville Lake reopened earlier on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Iowa Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and overseeing Iowa's transportation infrastructure, including highways, roads, and bridges.

Iowa State Patrol

The law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling and securing Iowa's state highways and interstates.

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The takeaway

The gradual reopening of these major highways in north-central Iowa is an important step in restoring normalcy and connectivity after the disruptive winter storm. However, officials caution that drivers should still exercise caution as some roads remain hazardous due to lingering snow, ice, and blowing conditions.