But he said crews have been working around the clock. “It’s progressing well.”

If all goes according to plan, I-29 would be open from Sioux City to Kansas City. Even so, traffic in spots could be limited to one lane in each direction or run head-to-head, Suhr said.

It will be a welcome reopening to more than Interstate drivers.

In southeast Nebraska, towns along U.S. Highway 75 have seen traffic double or triple as drivers look for alternate routes. That has taxed locals’ patience with the detour.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will be ready to reopen its part of I-29 when Iowa is, said Adam Watson, area engineer for the department’s northwest district.

Missouri has kept I-29 closed north of St. Joseph to control access, not fix damage.

“We’re ready to roll when they’re ready,” Watson said.

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