A serious traffic incident on Interstate 80/35 in the Des Moines metro area caused significant delays for drivers on Tuesday afternoon, following a crash involving a semi-truck and a construction barrier.
According to the Clive Police Department, the crash occurred near the Douglas Avenue exit when a semi-truck traveling westbound/southbound struck a concrete construction barrier. The impact was strong enough to dislodge chunks of concrete, sending debris flying into the opposite lanes.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) confirmed that the concrete pieces scattered into the eastbound/northbound lanes of I-80/35, creating an immediate hazard. Another vehicle traveling in those lanes was unable to avoid the debris and collided with it.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and temporarily shut down multiple lanes in both directions to ensure the safety of commuters and clear the roadway. At the height of the incident, traffic was backed up for miles, leading to frustration among drivers during peak commuting hours.
The Iowa DOT reported that two westbound/southbound lanes remained closed into the evening, while eastbound/northbound lanes were reopened after initial debris removal efforts. Drivers heading westbound faced delays of up to 17 minutes, while eastbound travelers experienced approximately 7-minute delays. The crash site was located in a busy corridor that sees thousands of vehicles daily, further exacerbating the congestion.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that there were no injuries as a result of the crash. However, the incident served as a reminder of the potential dangers present in ongoing construction zones along Iowa’s interstate highways.
The Clive Police Department issued an advisory urging drivers to avoid the area if possible and to follow posted detour signs or use alternative routes to bypass the congestion. Authorities also warned that additional cleanup and repair work on the concrete barrier could cause further lane restrictions throughout the week.
“We’re relieved that no one was hurt, but this situation could have easily turned into a more serious event,” said a spokesperson for the Clive Police. “We’re asking the public to remain patient and drive cautiously in construction zones.”
The incident also raised questions about construction zone safety and the robustness of barrier designs in high-speed areas. While no official cause of the truck’s impact with the barrier has been released, authorities are reviewing footage and driver statements as part of an ongoing investigation.
Photos and videos shared by local news outlets and traffic cameras showed long lines of vehicles stretching in both directions, with emergency crews directing traffic and removing debris under tight timelines.
The Iowa Department of Transportation regularly updates live traffic incidents and road closures via its official 511 travel service, which drivers are encouraged to check before traveling. You can monitor real-time traffic conditions at 511ia.org and find construction safety information through the Federal Highway Administration.
In the aftermath of the crash, officials stressed the importance of staying alert while driving through construction areas, especially along heavily traveled interstates like I-80/35. The combination of shifting lanes, reduced shoulders, and heavy equipment increases the risk of accidents.
As of the latest update, only two westbound lanes remain closed while crews continue repair and cleanup operations. There is currently no estimate on when all lanes will fully reopen, but traffic patterns are being closely monitored to minimize additional disruption.
The crash is one of several incidents in recent months that have caused major delays along the I-80/35 corridor. With summer travel season underway and more roadwork scheduled, transportation officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and stay informed.
For commuters who rely on this section of I-80/35, transportation officials recommend considering alternate routes, such as Interstate 235 or local surface streets, until normal traffic conditions resume.