Interstate 35 reopened around 10 a.m. on March 16, 2026, following a severe blizzard that had caused dangerous road conditions across Iowa. The last interstate to fully reopen was Interstate 80, with westbound traffic from Des Moines to Council Bluffs reopening at 7:30 a.m. and eastbound lanes following suit at 10:30 a.m.
The final stretch of Interstate 80, from Altoona to Coralville, reopened at noon, marking a significant improvement in travel conditions. However, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has warned drivers to exercise caution as road conditions can still be challenging.
“Drivers should use caution and expect slower drives,” the Iowa Department of Transportation stated. This warning comes as more than 30 counties in Iowa have implemented tow bans, meaning that assistance will not be available if a driver goes off the road.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for a small portion of eastern Iowa, according to the National Weather Service. This warning highlights the ongoing risks associated with the recent severe weather.
The closures were necessitated by heavy snow and winds that swept through the state on Sunday, leading IDOT to describe many roadways as “impassable.” As conditions improve, all state-maintained roads remain open through Des Moines as of March 16, 2026.
Despite the reopening of major interstates, the impact of the blizzard is still being felt, and drivers are urged to remain vigilant as they navigate the roads. Observers expect that the situation will continue to evolve as weather conditions change.
