Due to construction on I-35 in Warren County, Iowa DOT officials have announced that sections of the interstate will be closed, and detours will be in place.

A 16 mile-stretch of I-35 will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Monday, July 18th through Friday, July 22nd.

According to KCCI, construction crews will be working to install a temporary barrier rail on I-35 from Warren County Road G-50 (exit 52) to Iowa 5 (exit 68).

Iowa DOT will detour traffic around the road closures using to Warren County Road G-50, Warren County Road G-45, Highway 92, Highway 28 through Norwalk, and Highway 5.

The project comes as a result of several serious crashes that were reported in the area now under construction.  In one of the accidents, the construction zone had reduced lanes to one southbound and one northbound lane. When a southbound car crossed over into a northbound lane, it hit a semi head-on. One died as a result of that collision.

According the Iowa DOT’s website,

“The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.”

This construction is part of a larger project that will expand and rebuild I-35 in Warren County.