Interstate 35 near Ames, Iowa, and several other state highways are closed due to flooding, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.


Record flooding is forecast along portions of the South Skunk River from the Ames area to below Colfax. This is a particularly dangerous situation and travelers need to exercise additional caution in these areas. Flooding has already resulted in the closure of U.S. 30 and I-35 near Ames.

The Iowa DOT is also making preparations to close I-80 between Mitchellville and Colfax on Thursday, if the situation warrants and river levels rise as forecast.

Roadways currently closed or restricted:

* Interstate 35 in Story County - The southbound and northbound lanes of I-35 are flooded just south of Ames between Iowa 210 and U.S. 30. Due to other area highway closures, a lengthy detour has been established. For complete details, visit:
www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2010/08/detour-update-both-northboun
d-and-southbound-lanes-of-interstate-35-now-closed.html

* U.S. 30 in Story County - The eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 30 between I-35 and U.S. 69 are closed.

* U.S. 61 and U.S. 136 in Lee County - The road is closed near Keokuk. Traffic normally going across the Des Moines River Bridge near Keokuk is being directed to the Des Moines River Bridge at St. Francisville.

* U.S. 69 in Story County - The road is closed from Riverside Road (north of Ames) to Story County Road E-23 (Gilbert exit).

For current updates on state road conditions, visit www.511ia.org or call 511.