CLIVE, Iowa —

Construction on the Interstate 80/35 interchange at Hickman Road is on schedule and nearing key milestones, with the southbound exit ramp slated to open in late December and the northbound off-ramp targeted for mid-January.

The ramps have been closed since May, creating delays and detours for drivers, though some say the impacts have eased in recent weeks.

“You just have to be vigilant, know where you’re going and know what exit you’re looking for,” said driver Bruce Thompson, summing up his approach to the closures and detours.

Thompson said congestion has improved, especially near the Menards access points. “Getting out of Menards, going left or right — that has improved. I’ve seen that get into a nightmare pretty fast sometimes,” he said.

“I’m from Chicago, Illinois.

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