Flooding in the Ames area has closed Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30 in the Ames areas.

As of 10:45 a.m. both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 have been closed just south of Ames. The closure extends to the First Street northbound entrance ramp in Ankeny. The northbound entrance ramps also are closed at the Iowa 210 and Elkhart interchanges.

Both the westbound and eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 are closed from I-35 to U.S. Highway 69.

U.S. Highway 69 also is closed in both directions from Riverside Road north of Ames to Story County Road E-23 (Gilbert exit).

According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Transportation, the following detours are in affect:

• Southbound traffic: Head east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 65, proceed south on U.S. 65 to Iowa 330. Proceed southwest on Iowa 330 to Interstate 80 at Altoona, and then continue west on I-80 to the I-35/I-80/I-235 interchange.
• Northbound traffic: From the 1-35/I-80/I-235 interchange proceed take the Iowa 330 exit at Altoona. Proceed northeast on Iowa 330 to the U.S. 65 interchange, continue north on U.S. 65 to the U.S. 30 interchange. Continue west on U.S. 30 to the I-35 northbound ramp. 

The DOT reports that the Iowa State Patrol is assisting with traffic managment in the area. Traffic backups are occuring and the DOT says to expect delays. Both agencies also are asking motorists to stay off roadways as possible.

The DOT also is reporting that it is making preperations to close Interstate 80 between Colfax and Mitchelville on Thursday if the situation continues to worsen.

For continued updates from the DOT visit www.511ia.org, call 511 or call the DOT’s flooding hotline at 866-452-8510.