A partial road closure has generated some traffic congestion near a busy Iowa State University intersection.
Stange Road is being reconstructed from Blankenburg Drive to 13th Street in an Iowa State University-led and managed project. Work will include a new concrete road, street lighting, storm sewer improvements, and a new sidewalk on both sides of Stange Road.
Reconstruction was necessary due to the age and condition of Stange Road, Iowa State manager of construction projects, Nathan Graves said.
The northbound lane of Stange Road is currently closed to traffic, with detours directing vehicles to head east to Grand Avenue.
Construction is expected to finish on Aug. 29, a few days after the fall semester begins at Iowa State on Aug. 25.
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Construction crews work on the northbound lane of Stange Road on Monday, April 21 in Ames, Iowa.
More construction on Stange Road
Over the past two years, the City of Ames has completed work on Stange Road, north of Blankenburg Drive. Iowa State’s current Stange Road project is tied to the south end of the city’s project.
The city completed work on Stange Road in 2023, while 24th Street underwent multiple projects in 2024.
The original four lanes of 24th Street were reduced to three in the spring of 2024, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction, while a new center turn lane can be accessed from either side. All lanes were closed near the railroad crossing for two weeks that fall so work could be done on the intersecting railroad.
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The sidewalk is closed on the east side of Stange Road while construction is underway. Picture taken April 21, 2025 in Ames, Iowa.
How will traffic be detoured during the Stange project?
There has been extensive communication and coordination with the city since the Stange Road detour routes directly affect commuters and CyRide bus routes, Graves said.
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The ongoing Stange Road construction means that southbound traffic must use the far west lane. Northbound traffic will be detoured to Grand Ave. via 13th and 24th Street. Signage is in place to direct drivers through detours and closures.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: How long will Stange Road in Ames be closed? What to know