Much has been accomplished since construction of the Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvements began in 2008. The Iowa DOT and Council Bluffs Interstate System Improvement Program appreciates the cooperation of all our project partners, the work of design and contractor teams, and the public’s flexibility and patience as we work to improve safety and the ability to move growing numbers of people and goods through this critical area of our state. While our work is far from done, completion is in sight. Construction of the interstate in Council Bluffs is expected to be completed in 2026

As each project progresses, the website, social media and publications will be utilized to provide regular construction impact information. 

You are also invited to visit the program office at your convenience to view current plans. The program office is located at Mall of the Bluffs, 1751 Madison Avenue, Suite 750, Council Bluffs, IA.

To learn about real-time traffic and detour updates, visit the Traveler Info page. If you have specific questions regarding traffic impacts, please contact our program office at (712) 326-3712.

This website will be the program’s main means for disseminating construction-related information to the public. Please visit the site often to learn about changes to the highway design. If you have specific questions, please contact our public information officer at 712-216-3339.

You may contact our public information officer at 712-216-3339 to report illegal dumping.

On a daily basis, the Council Bluffs Interstate System typically carries 20,000-75,000 vehicles; 11-25% of those are trucks. By 2030, traffic on I-80 between the I-29 interchanges is expected to increase to more than 120,000 vehicles a day. This increase in traffic, coupled with an outdated design standard from the 1950s and 60s is driving system improvements.

Iowa DOT chose a dual, divided freeway design because it offers greater flexibility to travelers, reduces congestions and will improve safety and efficiency. For example, it allows traffic to keep moving in both directions, even if lanes are closed because of a crash. This design allows through traffic to utilize both express and local lanes, offering more lanes overall. Currently, through traffic merges with local traffic at on and off ramps creating congestion, especially during peak traffic hours. The dual, divided freeway separates through traffic from local traffic, eliminating delay and conflict. The dual, divided freeway will also reduce the number of crashes caused by merging traffic between interchanges.

This is the first of its kind in the region, but dual, divided freeways have been used for many years by DOTs in Illinois, Maryland and Texas.

The dual, divided freeway was constructed to include three lanes in each direction for I-80 Express and three lanes in each direction for I-29/I-80 Local.
Dual, Divided Freeway Configuration & Signage

Drivers who choose Express lanes instead of Local lanes should stay in Express lanes until they can exit past the West System Interchange if traveling westbound, or the East System Interchange if traveling eastbound, and turn around to use Local lanes.

Continue on to Omaha, Nebraska, exit at 13th Street (Exit 454) and turn around.

You will be able to exit to I-29 northbound at the West System Interchange (Exit 1).

If you are on I-29 northbound or I-80 westbound, you will need to use I-29 northbound/I-80 Local westbound instead of I-80 Express. Continue until you get to Exit 49, South Expressway. If you are driving on I-29 southbound or I-80 eastbound, your route will not change this year.

If you are on I-29 northbound or I-80 westbound, you will need to use I-29 northbound/I-80 Local westbound instead of I-80 Express westbound. Continue until you get to Exit 50, 24^th Street. If you are driving on I-29 southbound or I-80 eastbound, your route will not change this year.

If you are on I-29 northbound or I-80 westbound, you will need to use I-29 northbound/I-80 Local westbound instead of I-80 Express. Continue until you get to Exit 49, South Expressway, or Exit 50, 24^th Street. If you are driving on I-29 southbound or I-80 eastbound, your route will not change this year.

If you are on I-29 northbound or I-80 westbound, you will be able to use I-29 northbound/I-80 Local westbound and I-80 Express westbound. Continue until you get to Exit IA, if you’re on I-80 Express westbound, or continue on I-29 northbound if you’re on I-29 northbound/I-80 Local westbound. If you are driving on I-29 southbound or I-80 eastbound, you route will not change this year.

You can use either the Express Lanes or Local Lanes to travel to Kansas City. If you are on I-80 Express, make sure to exit to I-29 southbound.

Breaks and gates in the barrier provide access for emergency response vehicles and allows traffic to shift if lanes need to be closed for a crash.

I-80 Express lanes can be used by all types of cars and trucks. It is not limited to carpool or high occupancy vehicle traffic. I-80 Express allows traffic not destined for Council Bluffs exits to continue through the city without encountering merging and weaving local traffic.

Program staff and Iowa DOT actively coordinate with navigation apps, but we do not control information on third party applications. We provide updated information ahead of or in real time when changes occur, but cannot guarantee when changes will be reflected. Always pay attention to signing and know your route before you head out.