BOONE, Iowa—Every other year, the Farm Progress Show is held east of Boone at the Central Iowa Expo site.  Because of the volume of traffic, the Iowa State Patrol handles traffic into and out of the site.  Locally, the Boone Police Department puts together information about the impact the traffic flow will have on those that commute to the Ames or Des Moines metro area.

The Boone Police Department wants to remind its citizens that the Farm Progress Show is coming up August 28, 29, 30. Because of the large number of people this show attracts, there will be traffic related issues all three days both for those attending the show and those who travel through the area to and from work. The Farm Progress Show takes place at the Central Iowa Expo Center located at 1827 217th Street in Boone County. To assist the citizens of Boone in planning their morning and afternoon commutes to and from work, the primary roadways where there will be traffic congestion and possible delays are Hwy 30, Eastbound Mamie Eisenhower from Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road), Southbound Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) at Hwy 30, and Northbound Quill Ave at Hwy 30.

Alternate routes are STRONGLY SUGGESTED and citizens are advised to AVOID THESE AREAS ALL THREE DAYS OF THE SHOW.

To help our citizens avoid unnecessary delays going to and from work during these three days, the Boone Police Department is making these recommendations.

For the morning Eastbound (Ames) and Southbound (Des Moines) commutes (6:00 am – 10:00 am), the following routes are recommended:

• Eastbound 22nd Street (E-26) all the way to Ames is highly recommended.
• Eastbound Hwy 30 to Ames via S. Story Street is recommended. However, delays due to traffic congestion in the area of Hwy 17 are likely.
• Southbound Quill Ave from Eastbound Hwy 30 to Des Moines is highly recommended.
• Southbound Hwy 17 from Eastbound Hwy 30 to Des Moines is recommended. However, delays due to traffic congestion in the area of Hwy 17 are likely.
• NOTE: All traffic needing to access Eastbound Hwy 30 should do so FROM S. STORY STREET.

Morning routes that are not recommended and delays are expected:

• Eastbound Hwy 30 via Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) will be CLOSED.
• Eastbound Mamie Eisenhower from Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) is not recommended except for those going to the Farm Progress Show. Expect delays.
• NOTE: Do not access Eastbound Hwy 30 from Southbound Hwy 17 as both lanes are being used for Northbound traffic only.

For the afternoon Westbound and Northbound commutes back to Boone (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm), the following routes are recommended:

• Westbound 22nd Street (E-26) from Ames all the way to Boone is highly recommended.
• Westbound Hwy 30 to Boone is recommended. However, delays due to traffic congestion in the area of Hwy 17 is likely.
• Northbound Hwy 17 to Westbound 250th Street, to Southbound P Ave, to Westbound 255th Street (lower Ledges Road) then Northbound to Boone is highly recommended.
• Northbound Hwy 17 to Westbound Hwy E-57 (270th Street) to L Avenue and then Northbound to Hwy 30 is highly recommended.
• Northbound Hwy 17 to Eastbound Hwy E-57 (270th Street) to X Avenue and then Northbound to Hwy 30 is highly recommended.
• Northbound Hwy 17 to Westbound Hwy 30 is NOT recommended.

NOTE: The crossover at Hwy 30 and Southbound Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) / Northbound Quill Avenue will be closed in the afternoon and traffic will be diverted either onto westbound Hwy 30 or onto eastbound Hwy 30.

In cooperation with the Iowa State Patrol and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the following roads will be closed from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area of 210th Street (Old Hwy 30) and Hwy 17:

• Eastbound Mamie Eisenhower from Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) will be closed and traffic will be diverted to Southbound Airport Road.
• Southbound Cpl. Snedden Road (Airport Road) from 1st Street will be closed and traffic will be diverted to Westbound 1st Street. Traffic can then continue to S. Story Street and south on S. Story Street to Hwy 30.

Citizens are encouraged to call the Boone Police Department at 515-432-3456 for assistance with planning their commutes to and from Boone during these dates.

(contributed article and photos, Boone Police Department)