Interstate 29 reopened today to all traffic between Exit 56 and the Iowa state line. The roadway has been closed since late March for flooding.
While floodwaters had receded and debris was cleared from the Missouri portion of I-29, our neighbors to the north in Iowa had significant damage to I-29 and the routes that extend east and west from I-29 in western Iowa.
The closure in Missouri continued, with the exception of local traffic accessing their homes and businesses, until the Iowa Department of Transportation was able to reopen their section of I-29 this morning. Approximately eight miles north of the Missouri border, traffic moves head-to-head and a 12-foot width restriction in place. Motorists should expect delays. Over-dimension loads must use an alternate route.
More than 12,000 vehicles utilize I-29 through Northwest Missouri daily to access locations in Iowa and points north. Due to the lack of detour routes in Northwest Missouri that could handle that many cars, trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, all through traffic was rerouted onto I-35 or U.S. Route 71.
Many other routes throughout the region remain flooded, both in Missouri and Iowa. Travelers do not have access to several roads west of I-29 in Atchison and Holt counties due to flooding and damage. These include U.S. Routes 159 and 136, commonly referred to as the Rulo and Brownville Missouri River Crossings, which are heavily damaged and remain closed. While repairs have begun on U.S. Route 159, water remains over the road in many areas, including U.S. Route 136. This continued flooding, combined with changing weather conditions, could delay recovery and repair efforts.
