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Des Moines traffic: Election Day travel updates

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 9:26 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Des Moines Election Day Traffic: Travel Updates, Tips, and What to Expect

As voters head to the polls across Des Moines on Monday, November 5, traffic officials, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), and local police are issuing a comprehensive travel alert. The state’s biggest urban center, home to over 200,000 residents, will see a noticeable uptick in vehicle activity as people make their way to early‑voting sites, drop‑off locations for absentee ballots, and the county’s major polling places. The KCCI article on traffic updates for Election Day outlines the routes most likely to experience congestion, the resources voters can use for real‑time information, and the steps authorities are taking to keep traffic moving safely.

1. Overview of Expected Congestion

According to the Iowa DOT’s preliminary report, the main arterial roads that will experience the greatest delays include:

• Interstate 35 (I‑35) – Both the northbound and southbound lanes, especially between the Des Moines River and the intersection with US 65, are projected to see increased travel times of up to 15 minutes.
• Interstate 80 (I‑80) – The west‑to‑east corridor near the downtown district is anticipated to have traffic jams of up to 10 minutes during the morning peak.
• U.S. 69 (US 69) – The north‑south route through the eastern neighborhoods is expected to be slower, with average speeds dropping from 55 mph to about 35 mph during the mid‑morning.
• U.S. 65 (US 65) – The major thoroughfare that serves the southern suburbs will have similar slow‑down patterns, especially near the intersection with I‑35.

In addition, the main streets in the downtown area—High Street, Cedar Avenue, and Hillside Avenue—will see a sharp rise in traffic as people head to the city’s two primary polling sites: the Des Moines City Hall and the Capitol‑City Center. Local police will be on standby to direct traffic and help with any accidents that may occur during the peak hours.

2. Official Traffic and Travel Resources

Iowa DOT Travel Alerts – The DOT’s official website (https://iowadot.gov/traffic) hosts live traffic maps, radar data, and a dedicated “Election Day Travel Alerts” page. Voters can check real‑time traffic speeds, incident reports, and expected delays. The site also offers a “Freeway Flow” feature that displays the current traffic conditions for I‑35 and I‑80.

Iowa Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s website (https://sos.iowa.gov/early-voting.html) lists all early‑voting locations, the hours of operation, and instructions for absentee ballot drop‑offs. It also features a “Travel Planner” tool that estimates travel time based on current traffic conditions.

Local Police Traffic Control – The Des Moines Police Department (https://www.dpd.org/traffic) provides a traffic briefing for the day. They plan to deploy traffic officers at key intersections (e.g., I‑35 at 7th Street, I‑80 at 15th Street) to maintain flow and assist drivers who might be unfamiliar with the route to polling places.

Mobile Apps – Popular navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps incorporate the DOT’s real‑time data. Users are encouraged to enable traffic alerts and set “Avoid Traffic” preferences for the morning commute.

3. Practical Tips for Voters

a. Plan Ahead

• Check the DOT map before leaving to identify the best alternate routes. For example, if I‑35 is congested, consider using US 65 southbound to access the downtown polling sites.
• Use the early‑voting location list to pick a polling place closer to home. The Secretary of State’s site lists all early‑voting sites by ZIP code.

b. Allow Extra Time

• The DOT recommends adding an extra 10–15 minutes to your estimated travel time. In some cases, early‑voting sites on the west side of town may be up to 30 minutes slower than usual.

c. Stay Informed

• Follow KCCI’s live traffic updates on their website and social media channels. They post real‑time incident reports and traffic advisories throughout the day.
• Listen to local radio stations (KCCI 3 AM, 1000 KCCI, and KOSU 94.9 FM) for live traffic bulletins.

d. Use Alternative Transportation

• Public transit – The Des Moines Transit Authority (https://www.dtmc.org) offers special Election Day buses that run from key neighborhoods to the main polling stations. These buses are free and run on an adjusted schedule that takes into account the anticipated delays.
• Ride‑share services – Uber and Lyft have set up a “voter‑only” discount for the day. If you’re traveling from a suburb to downtown, consider booking a ride in advance.

e. Be Prepared for Incidents

• Accidents – While the DOT reports no major incidents yet, there is a chance of minor collisions due to high traffic density. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance.
• Road closures – In case of an accident or a scheduled event (e.g., the state capitol’s memorial march), local traffic officers will reroute vehicles. Keep an eye on the DOT’s alerts for any temporary closures.

4. Additional Information from Linked Resources

Iowa DOT Traffic Maps

The link to the Iowa DOT’s traffic portal (https://iowadot.gov/traffic) offers interactive features such as: - Historical traffic data – View patterns from previous election days to anticipate potential choke points. - Incident reports – Real‑time updates on accidents, stalled vehicles, or construction that might affect travel times.

Secretary of State Early‑Voting Page

The page (https://sos.iowa.gov/early-voting.html) provides: - A full list of early‑voting locations by county and ZIP code. - Operating hours for each site, noting that some sites will open earlier (7:00 AM) and close later (6:00 PM) on Election Day. - Guidance on absentee ballots, including drop‑off sites and required identification.

Des Moines Police Traffic Control Page

This local resource (https://www.dpd.org/traffic) includes: - A schedule of traffic officers’ deployment for Election Day. - Contact information for the traffic command center. - Links to the city’s emergency response plan in case of severe traffic incidents.

KCCI Live Traffic Updates

The KCCI page (https://www.kcci.com/traffic) provides: - Live video feeds from traffic cameras along I‑35 and I‑80. - Regular voice updates with estimated travel times for key routes. - Historical traffic patterns from previous election days for reference.

5. Summary

Election Day in Des Moines is set to bring a mix of civic engagement and increased traffic across the city’s primary roadways. By staying informed through the Iowa DOT’s real‑time alerts, using the Secretary of State’s early‑voting resources, and following local police traffic advisories, voters can plan their routes and avoid unnecessary delays. Whether you choose to drive, ride-share, or take public transit, the key to a smooth travel experience is preparation—checking the latest traffic updates, selecting the most convenient polling location, and allowing extra time for the inevitable congestion.

In addition to these measures, the city has deployed traffic officers along critical intersections and is offering special transit services to keep the flow moving. As voters head to the polls, these coordinated efforts aim to minimize disruptions and ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote safely and efficiently.