Two more ramps near Hickman Road on I-80/35 closing until August. What's the detour?

Yahoo! News - May 2nd, 2025

More ramp closures are slated for Interstate 80/35 near Hickman Road in Des Moines as part of a major $94 million infrastructure project. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, starting May 5, the northbound on-ramp from Hickman Road and the northbound off-ramp to Douglas Avenue will be closed until mid-August. These closures are in addition to previous shutdowns of the southbound on-ramp at Exit 125 and the off-ramp to University Avenue, which began in April. Detour routes have been established to guide drivers around the closures, which are expected to alleviate future traffic increases projected at nearly 35% by 2042.

This construction effort is part of a significant upgrade to the I-80/I-35 and Hickman Road interchange, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. The ongoing developments highlight the need for modern infrastructure to accommodate growing traffic demands. The impact is immediate for local commuters who must navigate detours, potentially affecting daily travel times and traffic patterns in the surrounding areas. As the project progresses, its completion is anticipated to bring long-term benefits, easing congestion and enhancing connectivity in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

Interstate 80/35 Iowa Department Of Transportation Hickman Road Interchange Ramp Closures Traffic Impact

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story is a well-written, clear, and timely report on upcoming ramp closures affecting Interstate 80/35 near Hickman Road. It provides essential information for local commuters and is based on credible sources, primarily the Iowa Department of Transportation. The article excels in clarity and accuracy, presenting logistical details in a straightforward manner. However, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and additional sources to enhance balance and engagement. While it addresses public interest by informing readers of changes that will impact their daily commutes, it does not explore the potential broader implications of the infrastructure project. Overall, the story effectively serves its purpose of informing the public about upcoming traffic changes, though it could be enriched by including more diverse viewpoints and contextual analysis.

Accuracy

The news story provides specific details about the ramp closures on Interstate 80/35 near Hickman Road, including dates and locations, which appear to be accurate based on the information provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The article mentions the $94 million project and accurately states the expected increase in traffic volume by 35% by 2042, which aligns with typical projections for infrastructure projects. The closure details, such as the northbound on-ramp from Hickman Road to I-80/35 and the northbound off-ramp to Douglas Avenue, are precise and verifiable through DOT announcements. However, the article's accuracy would be enhanced by including direct quotes or references to official DOT publications or spokespersons.

Balance

The article focuses primarily on the logistical details of the ramp closures and detours, which are factual and objective. It does not delve into potential impacts or opinions from affected parties, such as local residents or businesses. While this maintains neutrality, it could be seen as lacking balance by not presenting any viewpoints on the inconvenience or benefits of the construction project. Including perspectives from commuters or local businesses could provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Clarity

The article is written in clear and concise language, making it easy for readers to understand the details of the ramp closures and detours. The structure is logical, with information presented in a straightforward manner, starting with the most important details and followed by specific detour instructions. The tone is neutral and factual, which is appropriate for this type of news reporting.

Source quality

The primary source of information appears to be the Iowa Department of Transportation, a credible and authoritative source for information about road closures and infrastructure projects. The article attributes the information to the Iowa DOT, which is appropriate. However, the piece could benefit from additional sources, such as comments from local government officials, transportation experts, or community leaders, to enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article clearly states its source, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and provides contact information for the reporter, which enhances transparency. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methodology used to gather information, such as whether the data was obtained from press releases, interviews, or other sources. Greater transparency about how the information was acquired could improve the article's trustworthiness.