The Iowa Department of Transportation announced Thursday afternoon, the closure of Interstate 35 from U.S. 30 (Ames) to U.S.18 (Mason City/Clear Lake). The north- and southbound lanes in Iowa will be closed, as well as all entrance ramps to I-35. The closure is due to the hazardous travel conditions and number of crashes. Iowa’s interstate gate closure system is being activated and the I-35 mainline highway will be closed, as well as all entrance ramps to it between Ames and Mason City.

In Minnesota, the southbound I-35 closure will start at Albert Lea at the I-35/I-90 interchange. Northbound I-35 travelers will be required to exit at the Ames interchange and take U.S. 30 east- or westbound. U.S. 18 east- and westbound travelers intending to travel south on I-35 will need to seek shelter in Clear Lake or Mason City. Traveler services such as lodging, food and fuel are available in Albert Lea, Minn., and Ames, Mason City and Clear Lake, Iowa.

Persons who were planning to travel north on Interstate 35 from Interstate 80 and are still en route, may want to consider seeking shelter in Des Moines or Ankeny. The interstate is expected to remain closed until conditions improve, which is likely to occur Friday morning. The Iowa DOT will announce when the road reopens to travel.