Traffic delays expected at exit 242 over Labor Day weekend

IOWA CITY, Iowa — With Labor Day weekend and the start of the University of Iowa’s football season coinciding, traffic delays are expected at the 1st Avenue and I-80 interchange (Exit 242) in Iowa City.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Coralville Engineering Department advised drivers in a press release to plan for significant congestion, particularly around the newly opened ramps at the interchange. The project is 90% complete, with all permanent lane improvements scheduled to open by the end of 2024.

As of Friday, Aug. 30, the new, longer eastbound off-ramp from I-80 to 1st Ave. has opened, and the Iowa River Landing connection to 1st Ave. became accessible later that morning, according to the release. These openings are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow in the area, which has been under construction for several months.

“We are adding message board signs for the football games and deploying highway helpers to assist with any emergencies on the road,” said Newman Abuissa, Iowa DOT operations engineer for District 6. “However, we advise that [drivers] allow extra time, enjoy the ride and [not] wait until the last minute. Be especially cautious when approaching the I-80 on- and off-ramps, as it’s a high-crash area.”

Despite the progress, drivers can expect intermittent lane closures on 1st Ave. throughout the fall as crews finish work on traffic signals, raised medians and landscaping. Abuissa said the DOT is implementing several measures to manage the expected traffic surge, including deploying highway helpers and posting updated information on electronic message boards.