NEWS! I-29 is now mostly open. The FINAL update from the Iowa DOT website on Nov. 14 states that:

"I-29 was reopened to traffic on Sat, Oct. 8. Contractors are currently working on the bridge approach paving and pile stabilization under the northbound bridge at milepost 1.4. Temporary median crossovers are in place routing the north- and southbound traffic into the southbound lanes between mileposts 0.8 and 3.2, while the bridge construction work is performed. Work is expected to be completed this week."

With flooding along the Iowa/Missouri border, travelers using I-29  have been affected by detours and alternate routes.  Currently a 32-mile stretch of I-29 is closed between exit 24 (near Bartlett, Iowa) and MM 110 (Rockport, Mo. / jct 136). The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is recommending that travelers detour to Des Moines, Iowa, via I-80 and I-35. This detour, the first of three listed below, is also the recommended truck route to help reduce traffic along alternate routes. The pros and cons associated with the three detours between Omaha, Neb./Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kansas City, Mo., are noted below.
Mileages and times were calculated using AAA’s AAA TripTik Travel Planner between Eppley Airfield and Kansas City International Airport. Before I-29 was closed, this trip was approximately 172 miles and had an estimated drive time of 2 hours and 40 minutes.

DETOUR 1 route: I-80 & I-35 (Detour to Des Moines, Iowa)    
Approximate distance: 316 miles. Approximate time: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Click here for detour 1 route

Pros: - Interstate travel throughout makes passing easier and allows for a definite time frame 
          - Consistent speeds
          - Rest stops
          - Solid cell phone reception

Cons: - More miles
          - Larger number of semi trucks (this is the preferred truck rout

Judgment: If you are on a strict time table and need to know exactly when you will arrive, this is the best route for you.  The interstate provides more lanes and consistently higher speed limits.


DETOUR 2: US-136, US-59 and US-34 (Take I-29 to the closure and follow signs for the detour)
Approximate distance: 205 miles. Approximate time: VARIES minimum 3 hours, 30 minutes
Click here for detour 2 route
                 
Pros: -Easy-to-follow signs

Cons: - Time varies greatly depending on the number of cars on the road
           - Two-lane highway does not allow for many passing points
           - Several low-speed townships to pass through with stop signs and traffic lights
           - Fewer rest stops/services

Judgment: If you are a patient driver, haven’t done much planning or wish to just follow road signs, this is the route for you.  There is great potential for slowdowns due to congestion on this route, with several slow points along the way.  It is best to avoid this route during high traffic hours of the day. 


DETOUR 3: US-75 & US- 36 (Detour uses US-75 through Nebraska into Kansas then heads west on US-36  to St. Joseph, Mo.)
Approximate distance: 195 miles. Approximate time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
                       Click here for detour 3 route
   
Pros: -Fewer miles
          -Potential for shorter drive times
          -Good amount of passing lanes/opportunities along US-75
          -Fewer semi trucks
          -Fewer reduced speed limit spots along route

Cons:  -Variable drive times heavily impacted by other drivers
           -Limited passing lanes/opportunities along US-36
           -Some spots of unreliable cell phone reception
           -Fewer rest stops/services
           -One-lane bridge passing areas with flaggers controlling traffic near Hiawatha, Kan.
           -MoDOT warns that there is a possible threat of flooding on US-36 west of the Kansas state line

Judgment:  This is the Inspector’s Pick. If you are flexible with drive time and tend to make fewer stops than most drivers, this is the route for you. This route does not have many congestion issues, and you should not see much, if any, stopped traffic. Check websites for up-to-date information on the possibility of flooding blocking some of US-36.    

How long will I-29 be closed?

The Iowa DOT has called for this section of I-29 to be a longer term closure.  It has been closed since late June and will likely remain closed through 2012.  Currently, the Iowa DOT has not provided a date to reopen the road.

How do I get the most up-to-date information?

Currently the best resources for viewing developing detours for roads and highways in this area are:
- The Iowa DOT website with a special link for a flooding road closure map.
- The MoDOT website with flooding detour information.

Other North Dakota flooding posts:
Flooded Destinations Plan Ahead
North Dakota Flooding
Flooding Q&A