Hickman Road Interchange Project: Overnight Closures Scheduled in March 2026
Des Moines, IA – Drivers traveling through the Hickman Road interchange along Interstates 80 and 35 should anticipate overnight closures in late March 2026 as the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) continues its multi-year reconstruction project. These closures are necessary for the demolition of bridges carrying I-80 and I-35 over U.S. Highway 6/Hickman Road.
When Will Hickman Road Be Closed?
Hickman Road will be fully closed to traffic over the interstate from Sunday, March 22, through Thursday, March 26. The closures will occur nightly from 9 p.m. To 5 a.m. Each morning. During these times, a single lane of I-80/35 will be closed in each direction.
What About the Ramps?
The ramps at U.S. 6/Hickman Road will remain open to traffic during the Hickman Road roadway closures.
Detour Information
Eastbound Hickman Road Drivers: Head south on NW 128th Street, east on University Avenue, and north on NW 114th Street to return to Hickman Road.
Westbound Hickman Road Drivers: Head south on NW 114th Street, west on University Avenue, and north on NW 128th Street to return to Hickman Road.
Why is the Interchange Being Reconstructed?
The Iowa DOT is replacing the Hickman Road interchange to improve traffic flow and safety. Traffic volume in the area is projected to increase nearly 35 percent by 2042. The project will utilize a diverging diamond interchange configuration, similar to the one recently completed in Ankeny at I-35 and 1st Street. Lanes are similarly being added to Hickman Road and I-35/80 between University Avenue and Douglas Avenue.
Project Timeline and Budget
Construction began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2028. The total project budget is $94 million.
Additional Resources
- Iowa 511: For real-time traffic information and future construction updates.
- Iowa DOT Hickman Road Interchange Project Page: Official project details and updates.
- City of Urbandale Project Page: Local information and links to Iowa DOT resources.
- DSMInterstates Facebook Page: Updates from the Iowa DOT.
Recent Closures and Lane Shifts
From March 16-20 (with potential backup dates of March 22-27), the northbound I-35/eastbound I-80 lanes were reconfigured with a shift to the east. This work involved reconstructing pavement and replacing a bridge in the center of U.S. 6/Hickman Road.