An Iowa DOT image from a plow driving down I-35.
(KWWL) – I-35 is closed in both directions starting at Exit 111 at US 30 in Ames in Story County and extending to the Minnesota border. All travel is not advised.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) closed all lanes of Interstate 35 between Ames and Minnesota due to freezing pavements, snow squalls, and blizzard conditions.
Barriers across the freeway lanes are directing traffic off at these exits. DOT and DPS lowered barriers at all on-ramps for interchanges in between Ames and Minnesota.
Any vehicles already on the roadway are allowed to continue but drivers are advised to exit and shelter. Vehicles already stopped at rest areas should remain sheltered.
The freeway closure end points are specifically aligned to allow travelers to seek shelter and traveler services such as food, lodging, and fuel.
Travelers and truckers are also encouraged to seek out shelter and parking in the greater Des Moines area.
Travelers are not advised to seek alternate non-freeway routes.
The closure will continue until conditions improve, with no specific target time.
Other road conditions
Road conditions on other roadways are very poor, with visibility reduced to half a mile or less because of blowing snow.
The left lane on Highway 218 is covered in ice. Roads in downtown Waterloo are salted but remain slick.
There is no visibility on Highway 63 or on Highway 93 west of Tripoli.
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