NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (AP) – National Guard soldiers and South Dakota Transportation workers are dismantling a levee across Interstate 29 that blocked traffic between Iowa and South Dakota. An Associated Press reporter on the scene says crews are removing the sandbags and other containers used to block the freeway on Thursday at North Sioux City, South Dakota. The governor’s office says I-29 should reopen later Friday.

The National Weather Service says the Big Sioux River where Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota meet already crested at a level lower than expected. Crews built the temporary levee across Interstate 29 to protect homes from flooding, but it forced motorists onto detours. Floodwaters also blocked most other roads connecting South Dakota and Iowa between Sioux Falls and Sioux City.