Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Just wanted to give everyone traveling to K'ville in August a road construction update.

HWY 5/92 coming from DesMoines is 1 lane in both directions and the 1st off ramp is closed until September for repaving (for those that came into town by the VA Hospital). 1st available exit is on HWY 14 (by Wal-Mart). No stop lights out there and traffic will be pretty heavy (with only one lane, I would expect a back-up of traffic on the highway). I would come via HWY 163 and down HWY 14 if traveling from DesMoines nightly.

HWY 14 N and S have no road contruction as of today.

County road T15 (from Pella to Knoxville) has no road construction as of today.

I-80 Eastbound and Westbound just East of Newton has been 1 lane in each direction off and on for the last few weeks (they are working on a bridge that spans the interstate).

I-80/35 interchange at the east side of DesMoines is undergoing major re-construction, and has occasional closings at night.

Hwy 5 between Knoxville and Albia has been 1 lane off an on for resurfacing as well

BTT

The IDOT works overtime planning the road closings to coincide with big events nearby.

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Duane Davis

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101 N Center
Marshalltown, Iowa 

Vande-

This is HUGELY appreciated by we out-of-towners. The past couple of years we've stayed out in West Des Moines (Jordan Creek), so the 5-to-92 route has been a breeze (less than an hour).

Question:

Based on your guidance, I think I am going to go straight across 235-to-163-to-14. Did I add a significant amount of Drive Time?

thank you once again

I would NOT recommend taking 235 to 163 (University Ave) as you will run into extremely heavy traffic due to the State Fair in Des Moines and especially on the east side of town. Traffic will be a mess by the Iowa State Fairgrounds and 235 is a pain with plenty of construction as well.

If you are coming from West Des Moines or anywhere on the southern or western parts of Des Moines, take Hwy 5 toward Knoxville (like always) and get off at Pleasantville. Take county road G40 to Hwy 14, which will leave you north of Knoxville (near Udders Steak House). The go south into town and you miss all the traffic south of the track through town on Lincoln (Hwy 14).

I live on the north end of Knoxville (N. of the track) and I do this all the time even now with the construction on Hwy 5 when you get to Knoxville. It will really save you a pain during Nationals and the Iowa State Fair.

If you are looking for a place to stay that's a reasonable drive to Knoxville from Des Moines, I'd consider the Four Points Sheraton on Army Post RD. by the Airport. I'm putting several people up there and it's a nice place with reasonable rates. Main thing is that it's a good location for getting to Knoxville. Last I knew, there were rooms available. Phone 515-287-6464. (This isn't a sales pitch as I get nothing from them but our experience has been good there for family and business gatherings in the past)

You can either take John's route (which is a good one, but you may encounter deer and will have to keep a low speed on G40 due to some of the 90 degree turns) which will add probably 15-20 minutes to your route.

Or IF you are staying out by Jordan Creek (judging by your e-mail you are), you are taking the 65/69 by-pass around DesMoines and getting off on 5/92 by Carlisle presently anyway. Instead, follow the 65/69 bypass to HWY 163, drive to Monroe and come down 14. Probably takes the same 15-20 minutes, but is all 4 lane with the exception of HWY 14 (you will come in the North End of Town by the Raceway.

The return trip to DSM, you can take the same route you always have (by the VA), as the on-ramp is still open, but there is only 1 lane Westbound for about 2 miles (then it goes back to 4 lane shortly after you go over the bridges.

Have a safe trip.

WHOOPS, This did say the same thing John said about G-40 but I just saw he wrote it already. so, nevermind. Good work John.

-----------------------------------------------------
A healthy diet of dirt in my nachos and beer.

Awesome. Thanks, Boyz. Saved all that stuff to my phone so we won't get lost

Geez. I think they were working on 235 two years ago!

Agreed, John on the Four Points. they are usually very nice. I travel a little for work and piggy bank the Marriott points so we stay out at that Residence Inn at Jordan Creek for free. Beautiful new area they've developed there.

I'm so excited I can't stand it. Keep the humidity down for me. We Californians are fragile. 68 and sunny with zero humidity will do that to you.

See you there. Section H. Look for a whole family wearing Tim Kaeding shirts and unable to stop smiling

Florio you go to more races in Iowa than you do in California. Will we see you at the Gold Cup?

The Knoxville to Osky road is under construction too. I don't know how much of it (maybe just the 4 lane portion?) but I next time I head up that way I will try the first Knoxville exit to come in past the golf course instead of turning off at the Wal-Mart and Hiway 14.

Thanks for the tips guys. West Des Moines is a great place to stay, a little longer drive but close to many daytime activities!!

Can't wait...

Yes, it's just the four lane portion by Knoxville on the way to/from Osky. It's down to two lanes on Highway 92 there.

BTT

Thanks for all of the info....John, if a guy is pulling a 30 ft pull behind camper, do you still recommend taking that G40 road to Hwy 14? It has been a while since I took that road and can't remember much about it. I assume it is okay as combines and corn trucks have to travel on it so a camper should as well. Thanks in advance.

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GO SAMMY!

I would not recommend that a guy pull a 30ft trailer on G40 if it's avoidable. Since I live in Knoxville, I have been thru the construction areas more than once lately, and it would (in my opinion) be easier to avoid G40.

You will need to have some Skoal in your pocket and a piece of hay in your teeth to feel comfortable travelling that road.

Wife and kids in rocking chairs up on the roof however will make you feel like you are back home in Nebraska all over again!

Save your butt, get a colon screening TODAY

For complete line of Sponsor Awards check out 
MarshallTownLaser.com

Duane Davis

Laser Engraving 
641-751-7777
101 N Center
Marshalltown, Iowa 

BTT

It would be great if those going Wednesday and Thursday could post road condition findings, etc. for those of us coming in on Friday and Saturday (from Des Moines direction in my case).

Thanks!

It won't be any different than whats been posted here... take it from a lifelong Knoxville resident.

Thanks for the heads up, it is much appreciated.

Flying in tomorrow!

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