U.S. Route 6 in Iowa
Encyclopedia
U.S. Route 6 is an east–west U.S. highway which runs 317 miles (510.2 km) across the U.S. state
of Iowa
. It is signed in places as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Like all state highways in Iowa, it is maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation
. The route begins at the Missouri River
crossing at Council Bluffs
. From there, it travels east through Oakland
and Atlantic, Iowa
. North of Atlantic, US 6 overlaps
Interstate 80 (I-80) until De Soto
. Between De Soto and Adel
, it overlaps U.S. Route 169 (US 169) before splitting off to the east towards Des Moines
. Through Des Moines, it runs about one mile (1.6 km) south of the Interstate 35 / Interstate 80 corridor.
At Altoona
, it again overlaps I-80 until Newton
. At Newton, it splits away from I-80 and passes near of through the cities of Kellogg
, Grinnell
, Victor
, Marengo
, the Amana Colonies, and Tiffin
before entering the Coralville
/ Iowa City
area. Through Coralville and Iowa City, US 6 has no direct access to I-80, I-380
, or US 218
; it relies on other routes like Iowa Highway 1 (Iowa 1) and Iowa 965 to provide access. From Iowa City, it heads to the east-southeast through West Liberty
and Atalissa
. Near Wilton
, it heads north to I-80 where it again overlaps to Davenport
. At Davenport, it briefly overlaps Interstate 280 and U.S. Route 61 before entering the city. It intersects Interstate 74 on the eastern side of Davenport and enters Bettendorf
before leaving Iowa for Illinois
.
Dating back to 1910, the route US 6 follows was originally the Great White Way and River-to-River Road, both were historic auto trails which connected Council Bluffs and Davenport. When the U.S. Highway System was created in 1926, it was designated U.S. Route 32. US 32 was renumbered in 1931 as US 6 was extended to the west coast. As the Interstate Highway System
was expanding in the 1950-1970s, US 6's importance as a cross-state route was diminished by Interstate 80. As a result, the least-traveled sections of the route were moved onto I-80.
, Iowa
with Interstate 480 (I-480). Just 3/4 mi into the state, I-480 ends at an interchange with Interstate 29. US 6 heads east along Broadway, where it is overlapped
by Iowa Highway 192
(Iowa 192) for just over 1+1/2 mi. On the eastern side of Council Bluffs, it intersects Interstate 80 and continues due east. Near Oakland
, it overlaps the north–south U.S. Route 59 for 2 miles (3.2 km). Near Lewis
, it turns to the north-northeast until it reaches Atlantic
. In Atlantic, it turns back to the east and heads towards downtown where it meets Iowa Highway 83
. US 6 / Iowa 83 travel together to the eastern side of Atlantic where they meet U.S. Route 71. The three routes run together for 4 miles (6.4 km), when US 6 / US 71 split away from Iowa 83 and continue north to I-80. At I-80, US 6 splits away from US 71 and joins I-80. US 6 overlaps I-80 until De Soto
, approximately 50 miles (80.5 km).
At De Soto, US 6 turns to the north, overlapping U.S. Route 169 for 5 miles (8 km) to Adel
. East of Adel, US 6 is a four-lane divided highway
for 14 miles (22.5 km), during which, it passes through Waukee
, Clive
, and Urbandale
along Hickman Road, and intersects Interstate 35 / Interstate 80. Over the next 2 miles (3.2 km), it serves as the border between Urbandale and Windsor Heights
. At 63rd Street in Des Moines
, US 6 intersects Iowa Highway 28. For 1/2 mi, US 6 / Iowa 28 run together on Hickman Road. Turning north, they run together for another mile (1.6 km) along Merle Hay Road
. At Douglas Avenue, US 6 splits away from Iowa 28 and continues east, becoming Euclid Avenue just west of the Des Moines River
. In north-central Des Moines, it intersects U.S. Route 69 and Interstate 235
. In northeast Des Moines, it turns to the northeast along Hubbell Avenue, which takes US 6 to Altoona
. West of Altoona, it intersects U.S. Route 65 and continues northeast passing Adventureland
theme park and Prairie Meadows
casino. In northwest Altoona, US 6 intersects I-80 and US 65. US 6 overlaps I-80 for a second time for approximately 25 miles (40.2 km).
At Newton
, US 6 splits away from I-80 at the Iowa Highway 14 interchange. US 6 overlaps Iowa 14 for 1/3 mi. It turns off of Iowa 14 and enters the western side of Newton, passing through its downtown area and the Jasper County
courthouse. Between Newton and Grinnell
, the route becomes hillier and curvier, crossing the North Skunk River
near Kellogg
. At Grinnell, it intersects Iowa Highway 146
southwest of the Grinnell College
campus. East of Grinnell, the route straightens out and it is overlapped by U.S. Route 63 for 2 miles (3.2 km) and by Iowa Highway 21
for 4 miles (6.4 km). Near Victor
, US 6 take a northeasterly course through Ladora
towards Marengo
. At Marengo, it intersects the eastern end of Iowa Highway 212
. Five miles (5 miles (8 km)) east of Marengo is the western end of Iowa Highway 220
. Here, US 6 forms the southern leg of the Amana Colonies Trail. Three miles (3 miles (4.8 km)) later, it's joined by U.S. Route 151
for 2 miles (3.2 km). It heads to the southeast towards Tiffin
and passes underneath Interstate 380
, but does not have direct access.
At Coralville
, US 6 passes underneath Interstate 80, but 1/2 mi to the east, Coral Ridge Avenue provides direct access to I-80. Entering Iowa City
, it passes the campus of the University of Iowa
, its main hospital
, and VA Hospital. US 6 curves to the south to be adjacent to the Iowa River
, where it meets and overlaps Iowa Highway 1 for 1/2 mi. US 6 and Iowa 1 go in separate directions at a signal controlled intersection
, where, less than 1/4 mi away, US 6 crosses the Iowa River. From Iowa City, it heads in an east-southeast direction towards West Liberty
. The highway enters West Liberty from the northwest corner and curves southward. At the northern end of Iowa Highway 70
, it turns to the east again towards Atalissa
and Wilton
. Ten miles (10 miles (16.1 km)) southwest of Wilton, it crosses the Cedar River. Three miles (3 miles (4.8 km)) south of Wilton, the highway overlaps Iowa Highway 38 and the two routes head towards I-80. At I-80, the two routes head in opposite directions on the interstate; US 6 overlaps I-80 for 35 miles (56.3 km).
On the outskirts of Davenport
, US 6 splits away from Interstate 80 and joins Interstate 280 at its western end. U.S. Route 61 also joins I-280 at this interchange, but from the opposite direction. US 6 only overlaps I-280 / US 61 for 4/5 mi before exiting onto Kimberly Road. Heading southeast into Davenport, it is a two-lane highway for 3 miles (4.8 km). At Fairmount Street, it becomes a four-lane divided highway and straightens out to head due east. Near Northpark Mall
, it intersects Northwest Boulevard, which becomes Iowa Highway 130 at I-80, and both one-way legs, Welcome Way southbound and Brady Street northbound, of U.S. Route 61 Business, which prior to 2010 was U.S. Route 61. US 6 briefly dips to the southeast and straightens out again towards Interstate 74. It joins I-74 and heads to the south towards Moline, Illinois
. For about one mile (1.6 km), I-74 / US 6 forms the boundary of Davenport and Bettendorf
. The two routes completely enter Bettendorf and descend into the Mississippi River
valley, where they meet U.S. Route 67 at a complex series of exit and entrance ramps. They then ascend the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge, known locally as the I-74 Bridge, and cross the Mississippi River into Illinois.
and Davenport
via Des Moines
. The routes, the southern Great White Way and northern River-to-River Road, eventually merged into the Whiteway-7-Highway. The new route followed the Great White way from Council Bluffs to Des Moines and the River-to-River Road from Des Moines to Davenport. In 1926, the Whiteway-7-Highway became U.S. Route 32, which itself became U.S. Route 6 in 1931.
, Atlantic
, Adair
, and De Soto
. In late 1912, the Great White Way was extended east to Davenport, passing through Pella
, Oskaloosa
, Washington
, and Muscatine
. In 1913, when the Iowa State Highway Commission began registering named trails longer than 25 miles (40.2 km), the Great White Way Association paid the $5.00 fee ($ in dollars) to become the first official registered highway route on July 30, 1914. When the primary highway system was created, the Great White Way was assigned Primary Road No. 2.
, Elk Horn
, Guthrie Center
, Adel
, Des Moines
, Newton
, Marengo
, Iowa City
, and Wilton
. When the highway commission started accepting registered routes, the RRR association planned to register their route as soon as possible. But miscommunication between association members and with the highway commission delayed the actual registration for years. The route became official on April 16, 1918. When the primary highway system was created, the River-to-River Road was assigned Primary Road No. 7.
to Council Bluffs
. On June 8, 1931, All of the Iowa portion of US 32 was absorbed into a newly-extended U.S. Route 6. The new US 6 also replaced U.S. Route 38 in Nebraska and Colorado. By the end of 1937, US 6 extended from coast to coast. On April 29, 1947, the Iowa General Assembly
approved an act designating US 6 as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a distinction the route shares in other states.
In the 1950s, the Iowa State Highway Commission began to straighten the route. A section of the highway between Grinnell
and Ladora
was straightened, which resulted in Brooklyn
and Victor
being bypassed. Between Dexter
and West Des Moines
, US 6 swapped alignments with Iowa Highway 90 in 1958. In 1961, US 6 was routed onto the new Interstate 80 from the Iowa 90 interchange to the Baxter
exit, currently exit 159. Iowa 90 was extended onto the old US 6 alignment. However, in 1967, those changes were reversed and US 6 was taken off I-80 and put back on the road which had been Iowa 90. Iowa 90 was assigned the section of US 6 between what's now exit 106 along I-80 and exit 69 along I-35.
, was rerouted in 1972. The abandoned section became an extended Iowa Highway 83
and an Adair County road. In 1980, three lengthy sections were moved onto the interstate: 26 miles (41.8 km) in western Iowa between Adair and Dexter
, 25 miles (40.2 km) in central Iowa between Altoona
and Newton
, and 20 miles (32.2 km) in eastern Iowa between Wilton
and Davenport
. All three sections were originally kept as state highways, but in 1989, when the Iowa Department of Transportation
first showed the new state highways' designations, the central section had been turned over to Polk
and Jasper Counties
. The western segment was numbered Iowa 925 and the eastern segment Iowa 927.
On July 1, 2003, 15 miles (24.1 km) between Dexter and Adel
were turned over to Dallas County
. US 6 was continued along I-80 to the U.S. Route 169 interchange at De Soto
, and then along US 169 to Adel. The former segments, Iowa 925 and Iowa 927, were turned over to their respective counties as well.
for intersections
|colspan=5 align=center| See Interstate 80 in Iowa
for intersections
|colspan=5 align=center| See Interstate 80 in Iowa
for intersections
|colspan=3 align=center| See Interstate 74
for intersections
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
. It is signed in places as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Like all state highways in Iowa, it is maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Department of Transportation
In the U.S. state of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Transportation is the state government organization responsible for the organization, construction, and maintenance of the primary highway system...
. The route begins at the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
crossing at Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
. From there, it travels east through Oakland
Oakland, Iowa
Oakland is a city located along the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,487. Formerly named Big Grove, Oakland is home to Nishna Heritage Museum...
and Atlantic, Iowa
Atlantic, Iowa
Atlantic is a city in and the county seat of Cass County, Iowa, United States, located along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 7,112 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 7,257 population in the 2000 census. -History:...
. North of Atlantic, US 6 overlaps
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
Interstate 80 (I-80) until De Soto
De Soto, Iowa
De Soto is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,009 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:De Soto is located at ....
. Between De Soto and Adel
Adel, Iowa
Adel is a city along the North Raccoon River in Dallas County in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 3,435 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dallas County and the birthplace of 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick....
, it overlaps U.S. Route 169 (US 169) before splitting off to the east towards Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
. Through Des Moines, it runs about one mile (1.6 km) south of the Interstate 35 / Interstate 80 corridor.
At Altoona
Altoona, Iowa
Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and is a part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,583 at the 2010 census; a special census taken in August 2005 counted 13,301 residents....
, it again overlaps I-80 until Newton
Newton, Iowa
Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 15,254. It is the home of Maytag Dairy Farms and was formerly home to the Maytag Corporation's corporate headquarters until the Whirlpool Corporation acquired it in 2006...
. At Newton, it splits away from I-80 and passes near of through the cities of Kellogg
Kellogg, Iowa
Kellogg is a city in Jasper County, Iowa, United States. The population was 606 at the 2000 census.-History:Kellogg was formed in September 1865. The railroad reached the town in 1866 and it was designated a station on the line...
, Grinnell
Grinnell, Iowa
Grinnell is a city in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,218 at the 2010 census. Grinnell was named after Josiah Bushnell Grinnell and is the home of Grinnell College.- History :...
, Victor
Victor, Iowa
Victor is a city in Poweshiek and Iowa Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 893 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 952 population in the 2000 census.-History:-Geography:Victor is located at ....
, Marengo
Marengo, Iowa
Marengo is a city in and the county seat of Iowa County, Iowa, United States. It has served as the county seat since August 1845, even though it was not incorporated until July 1859. The population was 2,528 in the 2010 census, a decline from 2,535 in the 2000 census. -Geography:Marengo's longitude...
, the Amana Colonies, and Tiffin
Tiffin, Iowa
Tiffin is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 975 at the 2000 census. In recent years, Tiffin has begun to see rapid growth; its estimated population in 2006 was 1,561. F. W...
before entering the Coralville
Coralville, Iowa
Coralville is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of Iowa City and part of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area...
/ Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa...
area. Through Coralville and Iowa City, US 6 has no direct access to I-80, I-380
Interstate 380 (Iowa)
Interstate 380 is a auxiliary Interstate Highway located in eastern Iowa. The route extends from Interstate 80 near Coralville to Waterloo. I-380 connects the cities of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, the second- and fifth-largest cities in the state, respectively, to the Interstate Highway System. ...
, or US 218
U.S. Route 218
U.S. Route 218 is an original United States Highway, created in 1926. Although technically a spur of U.S. Route 18, US 218 neither begins nor ends at US 18, but overlaps US 18 for near Charles City, Iowa. US 218 begins at U.S. Route 136 in downtown Keokuk and ends away at...
; it relies on other routes like Iowa Highway 1 (Iowa 1) and Iowa 965 to provide access. From Iowa City, it heads to the east-southeast through West Liberty
West Liberty, Iowa
West Liberty is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
and Atalissa
Atalissa, Iowa
Atalissa is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 283 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Atalissa is located at ....
. Near Wilton
Wilton, Iowa
Wilton is a city in Cedar and Muscatine Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,839 at the 2010 census. The Muscatine County portion of Wilton is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
, it heads north to I-80 where it again overlaps to Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
. At Davenport, it briefly overlaps Interstate 280 and U.S. Route 61 before entering the city. It intersects Interstate 74 on the eastern side of Davenport and enters Bettendorf
Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Bettendorf is the fifteenth largest city in the U.S. state of Iowa and the fourth largest city in the "Quad Cities". As of the 2010 United States Census the population grew to 33,217. Bettendorf is one of the Quad Cities, along with...
before leaving Iowa for Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
.
Dating back to 1910, the route US 6 follows was originally the Great White Way and River-to-River Road, both were historic auto trails which connected Council Bluffs and Davenport. When the U.S. Highway System was created in 1926, it was designated U.S. Route 32. US 32 was renumbered in 1931 as US 6 was extended to the west coast. As the Interstate Highway System
Interstate Highway System
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, , is a network of limited-access roads including freeways, highways, and expressways forming part of the National Highway System of the United States of America...
was expanding in the 1950-1970s, US 6's importance as a cross-state route was diminished by Interstate 80. As a result, the least-traveled sections of the route were moved onto I-80.
Route description
U.S. Route 6 crosses the Missouri River via the Grenville Dodge Memorial Bridge into Council BluffsCouncil Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
, Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
with Interstate 480 (I-480). Just 3/4 mi into the state, I-480 ends at an interchange with Interstate 29. US 6 heads east along Broadway, where it is overlapped
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
by Iowa Highway 192
Iowa Highway 192
Iowa Highway 192 is a north–south highway in western Iowa. It has a length of . The entirety of its route is within the city of Council Bluffs. The south end is at an interchange with Interstate 29 and 80 in the southern part of Council Bluffs...
(Iowa 192) for just over 1+1/2 mi. On the eastern side of Council Bluffs, it intersects Interstate 80 and continues due east. Near Oakland
Oakland, Iowa
Oakland is a city located along the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,487. Formerly named Big Grove, Oakland is home to Nishna Heritage Museum...
, it overlaps the north–south U.S. Route 59 for 2 miles (3.2 km). Near Lewis
Lewis, Iowa
Lewis is a city in Cass County, Iowa, United States, along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 438 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lewis is located at ....
, it turns to the north-northeast until it reaches Atlantic
Atlantic, Iowa
Atlantic is a city in and the county seat of Cass County, Iowa, United States, located along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 7,112 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 7,257 population in the 2000 census. -History:...
. In Atlantic, it turns back to the east and heads towards downtown where it meets Iowa Highway 83
Iowa Highway 83
Iowa Highway 83 is a state highway that runs from east to west in western Iowa. The highway parallels Interstate 80 its entire length. Its western terminus is at U.S. Highway 59 in Avoca. The eastern terminus is in Anita at an intersection with Iowa Highway 148.-Route description:Iowa Highway 83...
. US 6 / Iowa 83 travel together to the eastern side of Atlantic where they meet U.S. Route 71. The three routes run together for 4 miles (6.4 km), when US 6 / US 71 split away from Iowa 83 and continue north to I-80. At I-80, US 6 splits away from US 71 and joins I-80. US 6 overlaps I-80 until De Soto
De Soto, Iowa
De Soto is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,009 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:De Soto is located at ....
, approximately 50 miles (80.5 km).
At De Soto, US 6 turns to the north, overlapping U.S. Route 169 for 5 miles (8 km) to Adel
Adel, Iowa
Adel is a city along the North Raccoon River in Dallas County in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 3,435 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dallas County and the birthplace of 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick....
. East of Adel, US 6 is a four-lane divided highway
Divided Highway
Divided Highway is a compilation album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 2003. . All tracks are taken from the albums Cycles and Brotherhood .-Track listing:...
for 14 miles (22.5 km), during which, it passes through Waukee
Waukee, Iowa
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,126 people, 1,927 households, and 1,445 families residing in the city. The population density was 610.9 people per square mile . There were 2,087 housing units at an average density of 248.7 per square mile...
, Clive
Clive, Iowa
Clive is a city in Dallas and Polk counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census the population is at 15,447. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Clive is known for its outstanding Greenbelt Park and trail system running through the entire...
, and Urbandale
Urbandale, Iowa
Urbandale is a city in Polk and Dallas counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 29,072; a special census taken by the city in 2005 counted 35,904 residents and the United States Census Bureau estimated that 38,369 residents lived there in 2008...
along Hickman Road, and intersects Interstate 35 / Interstate 80. Over the next 2 miles (3.2 km), it serves as the border between Urbandale and Windsor Heights
Windsor Heights, Iowa
Windsor Heights is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,805 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:Windsor Heights incorporated as a city on July 19, 1941...
. At 63rd Street in Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
, US 6 intersects Iowa Highway 28. For 1/2 mi, US 6 / Iowa 28 run together on Hickman Road. Turning north, they run together for another mile (1.6 km) along Merle Hay Road
Merle Hay
Merle David Hay was the first Iowa serviceman and perhaps the first American serviceman to die in World War I, along with Corporal James Bethel Gresham of Evansville, Indiana and Thomas Enright of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....
. At Douglas Avenue, US 6 splits away from Iowa 28 and continues east, becoming Euclid Avenue just west of the Des Moines River
Des Moines River
The Des Moines River is a tributary river of the Mississippi River, approximately long to its farther headwaters, in the upper Midwestern United States...
. In north-central Des Moines, it intersects U.S. Route 69 and Interstate 235
Interstate 235 (Iowa)
Interstate 235 in Iowa is an auxiliary Interstate Highway that runs just north of downtown Des Moines through the heart of the Des Moines metropolitan area. I-235 runs from the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 in West Des Moines to the separation of the same two interstates in Ankeny...
. In northeast Des Moines, it turns to the northeast along Hubbell Avenue, which takes US 6 to Altoona
Altoona, Iowa
Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and is a part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,583 at the 2010 census; a special census taken in August 2005 counted 13,301 residents....
. West of Altoona, it intersects U.S. Route 65 and continues northeast passing Adventureland
Adventureland (Iowa)
Adventureland is a family-owned amusement park in Altoona, Iowa . It features over 100 rides, shows and attractions.-The History:...
theme park and Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows is a Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racetrack and racino in Altoona, Iowa.-History and information:In 1984, Prairie Meadows received a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming commission to operate a horse racing facility after parimutuel betting was legalized by the state the...
casino. In northwest Altoona, US 6 intersects I-80 and US 65. US 6 overlaps I-80 for a second time for approximately 25 miles (40.2 km).
At Newton
Newton, Iowa
Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 15,254. It is the home of Maytag Dairy Farms and was formerly home to the Maytag Corporation's corporate headquarters until the Whirlpool Corporation acquired it in 2006...
, US 6 splits away from I-80 at the Iowa Highway 14 interchange. US 6 overlaps Iowa 14 for 1/3 mi. It turns off of Iowa 14 and enters the western side of Newton, passing through its downtown area and the Jasper County
Jasper County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 36,842 in the county, with a population density of . There were 16,181 housing units, of which 14,806 were occupied.-2000 census:...
courthouse. Between Newton and Grinnell
Grinnell, Iowa
Grinnell is a city in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,218 at the 2010 census. Grinnell was named after Josiah Bushnell Grinnell and is the home of Grinnell College.- History :...
, the route becomes hillier and curvier, crossing the North Skunk River
Skunk River
The Skunk River is a tributary of the Mississippi River in the state of Iowa in the United States.It rises in two branches, the South Skunk and the North Skunk . The headwaters of the South Skunk are in Hamilton County in north central Iowa. It flows roughly due southward, to the west of...
near Kellogg
Kellogg, Iowa
Kellogg is a city in Jasper County, Iowa, United States. The population was 606 at the 2000 census.-History:Kellogg was formed in September 1865. The railroad reached the town in 1866 and it was designated a station on the line...
. At Grinnell, it intersects Iowa Highway 146
Iowa Highway 146
Iowa Highway 146 is a state highway in central Iowa. It runs in a north–south orientation and is long. Iowa 146 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 63 at New Sharon, and ends at a freeway interchange with U.S. Highway 30 at Le Grand...
southwest of the Grinnell College
Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa, U.S. known for its strong tradition of social activism. It was founded in 1846, when a group of pioneer New England Congregationalists established the Trustees of Iowa College....
campus. East of Grinnell, the route straightens out and it is overlapped by U.S. Route 63 for 2 miles (3.2 km) and by Iowa Highway 21
Iowa Highway 21
Iowa Highway 21 is a state highway that runs from north to south in central Iowa. It has a length of . Iowa Highway 21 has its southern terminus at Iowa Highway 149 west of Hedrick and its northern terminus at a freeway interchange with U.S...
for 4 miles (6.4 km). Near Victor
Victor, Iowa
Victor is a city in Poweshiek and Iowa Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 893 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 952 population in the 2000 census.-History:-Geography:Victor is located at ....
, US 6 take a northeasterly course through Ladora
Ladora, Iowa
Ladora is a city in Iowa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 287 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ladora is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
towards Marengo
Marengo, Iowa
Marengo is a city in and the county seat of Iowa County, Iowa, United States. It has served as the county seat since August 1845, even though it was not incorporated until July 1859. The population was 2,528 in the 2010 census, a decline from 2,535 in the 2000 census. -Geography:Marengo's longitude...
. At Marengo, it intersects the eastern end of Iowa Highway 212
Iowa Highway 212
Iowa Highway 212 is a state highway in Iowa County, Iowa. It runs from Iowa Highway 21 south of Belle Plaine to U.S. Route 6 in Marengo. Iowa 212 was once a much longer highway, nearly , covering parts of the Lincoln Highway.-Route description:...
. Five miles (5 miles (8 km)) east of Marengo is the western end of Iowa Highway 220
Iowa Highway 220
Iowa Highway 220 is a short state highway through the Amana Colonies in east-central Iowa. Along with U.S. Route 6 and US 151, it is part of the circuitous Amana Colonies Trail scenic byway...
. Here, US 6 forms the southern leg of the Amana Colonies Trail. Three miles (3 miles (4.8 km)) later, it's joined by U.S. Route 151
U.S. Route 151
U.S. Route 151 is a U.S. Highway that runs through the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. The southern terminus for U.S. 151 is at a junction with Interstate 80 in Iowa County, Iowa, and its northern terminus is at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The route, from south to north follows a northeasterly path through...
for 2 miles (3.2 km). It heads to the southeast towards Tiffin
Tiffin, Iowa
Tiffin is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 975 at the 2000 census. In recent years, Tiffin has begun to see rapid growth; its estimated population in 2006 was 1,561. F. W...
and passes underneath Interstate 380
Interstate 380 (Iowa)
Interstate 380 is a auxiliary Interstate Highway located in eastern Iowa. The route extends from Interstate 80 near Coralville to Waterloo. I-380 connects the cities of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, the second- and fifth-largest cities in the state, respectively, to the Interstate Highway System. ...
, but does not have direct access.
At Coralville
Coralville, Iowa
Coralville is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of Iowa City and part of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, US 6 passes underneath Interstate 80, but 1/2 mi to the east, Coral Ridge Avenue provides direct access to I-80. Entering Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa...
, it passes the campus of the University of Iowa
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
, its main hospital
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is a 762-bed public teaching hospital and level 1 trauma center affiliated with the University of Iowa. UIHC is part of University of Iowa Health Care, a partnership that includes the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A...
, and VA Hospital. US 6 curves to the south to be adjacent to the Iowa River
Iowa River
The Iowa River is a tributary of the Mississippi River in the state of Iowa in the United States. It is about long and is open to small river craft to Iowa City, about from its mouth...
, where it meets and overlaps Iowa Highway 1 for 1/2 mi. US 6 and Iowa 1 go in separate directions at a signal controlled intersection
Traffic light
Traffic lights, which may also be known as stoplights, traffic lamps, traffic signals, signal lights, robots or semaphore, are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control competing flows of traffic...
, where, less than 1/4 mi away, US 6 crosses the Iowa River. From Iowa City, it heads in an east-southeast direction towards West Liberty
West Liberty, Iowa
West Liberty is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
. The highway enters West Liberty from the northwest corner and curves southward. At the northern end of Iowa Highway 70
Iowa Highway 70
Iowa Highway 70 is a state highway spanning from north to south in eastern Iowa. It begins at Iowa Highway 92 in Columbus Junction, and ends at U.S. Highway 6 in West Liberty.-Route description:...
, it turns to the east again towards Atalissa
Atalissa, Iowa
Atalissa is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 283 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Atalissa is located at ....
and Wilton
Wilton, Iowa
Wilton is a city in Cedar and Muscatine Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,839 at the 2010 census. The Muscatine County portion of Wilton is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
. Ten miles (10 miles (16.1 km)) southwest of Wilton, it crosses the Cedar River. Three miles (3 miles (4.8 km)) south of Wilton, the highway overlaps Iowa Highway 38 and the two routes head towards I-80. At I-80, the two routes head in opposite directions on the interstate; US 6 overlaps I-80 for 35 miles (56.3 km).
On the outskirts of Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
, US 6 splits away from Interstate 80 and joins Interstate 280 at its western end. U.S. Route 61 also joins I-280 at this interchange, but from the opposite direction. US 6 only overlaps I-280 / US 61 for 4/5 mi before exiting onto Kimberly Road. Heading southeast into Davenport, it is a two-lane highway for 3 miles (4.8 km). At Fairmount Street, it becomes a four-lane divided highway and straightens out to head due east. Near Northpark Mall
Northpark Mall (Iowa)
NorthPark Mall is a shopping mall located in Davenport, Iowa. As Davenport is part of the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa the mall services part of the population of these cities. The mall is located northwest of the intersection of U.S. Highways 61 and 6 at 320 West Kimberly Road...
, it intersects Northwest Boulevard, which becomes Iowa Highway 130 at I-80, and both one-way legs, Welcome Way southbound and Brady Street northbound, of U.S. Route 61 Business, which prior to 2010 was U.S. Route 61. US 6 briefly dips to the southeast and straightens out again towards Interstate 74. It joins I-74 and heads to the south towards Moline, Illinois
Moline, Illinois
Moline is a city located in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States, with a population of 45,792 in 2010. Moline is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Quad Cities has a population of...
. For about one mile (1.6 km), I-74 / US 6 forms the boundary of Davenport and Bettendorf
Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Bettendorf is the fifteenth largest city in the U.S. state of Iowa and the fourth largest city in the "Quad Cities". As of the 2010 United States Census the population grew to 33,217. Bettendorf is one of the Quad Cities, along with...
. The two routes completely enter Bettendorf and descend into the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
valley, where they meet U.S. Route 67 at a complex series of exit and entrance ramps. They then ascend the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge, known locally as the I-74 Bridge, and cross the Mississippi River into Illinois.
History
Before the U.S. Highway System came into being in 1926, roads in Iowa were maintained and promoted by local organizations which sought to drive traffic into their communities. Two such organizations created virtually parallel routes connecting Council BluffsCouncil Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
and Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
via Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
. The routes, the southern Great White Way and northern River-to-River Road, eventually merged into the Whiteway-7-Highway. The new route followed the Great White way from Council Bluffs to Des Moines and the River-to-River Road from Des Moines to Davenport. In 1926, the Whiteway-7-Highway became U.S. Route 32, which itself became U.S. Route 6 in 1931.
Great White Way
The Great White Way was formed in 1910 by the White Pole Auto Club. The route was built along the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad between Council Bluffs and Des Moines. Members of the auto club painted poles along the route white, which lead the route to be known as the White Pole Road. The Great White Way passed through OaklandOakland, Iowa
Oakland is a city located along the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,487. Formerly named Big Grove, Oakland is home to Nishna Heritage Museum...
, Atlantic
Atlantic, Iowa
Atlantic is a city in and the county seat of Cass County, Iowa, United States, located along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 7,112 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 7,257 population in the 2000 census. -History:...
, Adair
Adair, Iowa
Adair is a city in Adair and Guthrie Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 839 at the 2000 census.The Guthrie County portion of Adair is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, and De Soto
De Soto, Iowa
De Soto is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,009 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:De Soto is located at ....
. In late 1912, the Great White Way was extended east to Davenport, passing through Pella
Pella, Iowa
Pella is a city in Marion County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,832 at the 2000 census. Pella is the home of Central College as well as several manufacturing companies, including Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.- History :...
, Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Oskaloosa is the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11,463 in the 2010 census, an increase from 10,938 in the 2000 census. -History:...
, Washington
Washington, Iowa
Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,047 at the 2000 census.-History:...
, and Muscatine
Muscatine, Iowa
Muscatine is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 22,886 in the 2010 census, an increase from 22,697 in the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Muscatine County...
. In 1913, when the Iowa State Highway Commission began registering named trails longer than 25 miles (40.2 km), the Great White Way Association paid the $5.00 fee ($ in dollars) to become the first official registered highway route on July 30, 1914. When the primary highway system was created, the Great White Way was assigned Primary Road No. 2.
River-to-River Road
The River-to-River Road (RRR) was also created in 1910 and also connected Council Bluffs and Davenport via Des Moines. This route, however, traveled a more northern route than the Great White Way. The route passed through NeolaNeola, Iowa
Neola is a city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States. The population was 845 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Neola is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
, Elk Horn
Elk Horn, Iowa
Elk Horn is a city in Shelby County, Iowa, United States. The population was 649 at the 2000 census. Elk Horn is known as a center of Danish ethnicity and is home to The Danish Immigrant Museum...
, Guthrie Center
Guthrie Center, Iowa
Guthrie Center is a city in Guthrie County, Iowa, United States, along the South Raccoon River. The population was 1,668 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Guthrie County....
, Adel
Adel, Iowa
Adel is a city along the North Raccoon River in Dallas County in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 3,435 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dallas County and the birthplace of 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick....
, Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
, Newton
Newton, Iowa
Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 15,254. It is the home of Maytag Dairy Farms and was formerly home to the Maytag Corporation's corporate headquarters until the Whirlpool Corporation acquired it in 2006...
, Marengo
Marengo, Iowa
Marengo is a city in and the county seat of Iowa County, Iowa, United States. It has served as the county seat since August 1845, even though it was not incorporated until July 1859. The population was 2,528 in the 2010 census, a decline from 2,535 in the 2000 census. -Geography:Marengo's longitude...
, Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa...
, and Wilton
Wilton, Iowa
Wilton is a city in Cedar and Muscatine Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,839 at the 2010 census. The Muscatine County portion of Wilton is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
. When the highway commission started accepting registered routes, the RRR association planned to register their route as soon as possible. But miscommunication between association members and with the highway commission delayed the actual registration for years. The route became official on April 16, 1918. When the primary highway system was created, the River-to-River Road was assigned Primary Road No. 7.
Whiteway-7-Highway
In 1922, the Whiteway-7-Highway Association filed an application to register the Whiteway-7-Highway with the Iowa State Highway Commission. The commission was concerned with the Whiteway-7's similarity to the Great White Way's name and route markings. The Great White Way was marked with a 6 feet (1.8 m) wide stripe, while the Whiteway-7 would be marked with a 4 feet (1.2 m) stripe with a black circle containing a white seven. Another concern with the new route was since its name contained the number seven, the route would be assigned along Primary Road Nos. 2 and 7. On September 25, 1922, the highway commission swapped the designations of the part of the Great White Way which would become part of the Whiteway-7-Highway with the part of the River-to-River Road which would not become a part. Eight months later, the Iowa State Highway Commission reversed course and restored Primary Road Nos. 2 and 7 to their original alignments. Although disappointed, the Whiteway-7-Highway Association responded by removing the number from their name. On November 27, 1925, the route officially became the Whiteway Highway.U.S. Numbered Highways
On November 11, 1926, members of the American Association of State Highway Officials approved the plan to create a system of interstate highways across the country. Iowa's Whiteway Highway would take on the designation of U.S. Route 32. For four-and-a-half years, US 32 spanned from ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
to Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
. On June 8, 1931, All of the Iowa portion of US 32 was absorbed into a newly-extended U.S. Route 6. The new US 6 also replaced U.S. Route 38 in Nebraska and Colorado. By the end of 1937, US 6 extended from coast to coast. On April 29, 1947, the Iowa General Assembly
Iowa General Assembly
The Iowa General Assembly is the legislative branch of the state government of Iowa. Like the federal United States Congress, the General Assembly is a bicameral body, composed of the upper house Iowa Senate and the lower Iowa House of Representatives respectively...
approved an act designating US 6 as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a distinction the route shares in other states.
In the 1950s, the Iowa State Highway Commission began to straighten the route. A section of the highway between Grinnell
Grinnell, Iowa
Grinnell is a city in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,218 at the 2010 census. Grinnell was named after Josiah Bushnell Grinnell and is the home of Grinnell College.- History :...
and Ladora
Ladora, Iowa
Ladora is a city in Iowa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 287 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ladora is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
was straightened, which resulted in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, Iowa
Brooklyn is a city in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,367 at the 2000 census. It is located just off of U.S. Highway 6 and a few miles north of Interstate 80. Near the center of town Brooklyn boasts a large display of flags from each of the fifty states, the four...
and Victor
Victor, Iowa
Victor is a city in Poweshiek and Iowa Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 893 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 952 population in the 2000 census.-History:-Geography:Victor is located at ....
being bypassed. Between Dexter
Dexter, Iowa
Dexter is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 689 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area...
and West Des Moines
West Des Moines, Iowa
West Des Moines is a city in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 46,403; a special census taken in the spring of 2005 counted 51,744 residents and the United States Census Bureau estimated that 53,889 residents lived there in...
, US 6 swapped alignments with Iowa Highway 90 in 1958. In 1961, US 6 was routed onto the new Interstate 80 from the Iowa 90 interchange to the Baxter
Baxter, Iowa
Baxter is a city in Jasper County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,052 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Baxter's longitude and latitude coordinatesin decimal form are 41.824492, -93.150857...
exit, currently exit 159. Iowa 90 was extended onto the old US 6 alignment. However, in 1967, those changes were reversed and US 6 was taken off I-80 and put back on the road which had been Iowa 90. Iowa 90 was assigned the section of US 6 between what's now exit 106 along I-80 and exit 69 along I-35.
Abandoned sections
Since the 1970s, portions of US 6 have been moved permanently onto I-80. The first section, between U.S. Route 71 and AdairAdair, Iowa
Adair is a city in Adair and Guthrie Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 839 at the 2000 census.The Guthrie County portion of Adair is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, was rerouted in 1972. The abandoned section became an extended Iowa Highway 83
Iowa Highway 83
Iowa Highway 83 is a state highway that runs from east to west in western Iowa. The highway parallels Interstate 80 its entire length. Its western terminus is at U.S. Highway 59 in Avoca. The eastern terminus is in Anita at an intersection with Iowa Highway 148.-Route description:Iowa Highway 83...
and an Adair County road. In 1980, three lengthy sections were moved onto the interstate: 26 miles (41.8 km) in western Iowa between Adair and Dexter
Dexter, Iowa
Dexter is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 689 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, 25 miles (40.2 km) in central Iowa between Altoona
Altoona, Iowa
Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and is a part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,583 at the 2010 census; a special census taken in August 2005 counted 13,301 residents....
and Newton
Newton, Iowa
Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 15,254. It is the home of Maytag Dairy Farms and was formerly home to the Maytag Corporation's corporate headquarters until the Whirlpool Corporation acquired it in 2006...
, and 20 miles (32.2 km) in eastern Iowa between Wilton
Wilton, Iowa
Wilton is a city in Cedar and Muscatine Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,839 at the 2010 census. The Muscatine County portion of Wilton is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area....
and Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
. All three sections were originally kept as state highways, but in 1989, when the Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Department of Transportation
In the U.S. state of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Transportation is the state government organization responsible for the organization, construction, and maintenance of the primary highway system...
first showed the new state highways' designations, the central section had been turned over to Polk
Polk County, Iowa
Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 430,640 in the 2010 census, an increase from 374,601 in the 2000 census. The county seat is Des Moines, which is also the capital city of Iowa...
and Jasper Counties
Jasper County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 36,842 in the county, with a population density of . There were 16,181 housing units, of which 14,806 were occupied.-2000 census:...
. The western segment was numbered Iowa 925 and the eastern segment Iowa 927.
On July 1, 2003, 15 miles (24.1 km) between Dexter and Adel
Adel, Iowa
Adel is a city along the North Raccoon River in Dallas County in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 3,435 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dallas County and the birthplace of 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick....
were turned over to Dallas County
Dallas County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 66,135 in the county, with a population density of . There were 27,260 housing units, of which 25,240 were occupied.-2000 census:...
. US 6 was continued along I-80 to the U.S. Route 169 interchange at De Soto
De Soto, Iowa
De Soto is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,009 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:De Soto is located at ....
, and then along US 169 to Adel. The former segments, Iowa 925 and Iowa 927, were turned over to their respective counties as well.
Major intersectons
|colspan=5 align=center| See Interstate 80 in IowaInterstate 80 in Iowa
In the U.S. state of Iowa, Interstate 80 runs east–west between the Omaha-Council Bluffs area and the Quad Cities area, serving Des Moines and Iowa City. It was built along the U.S. Highway 6 corridor and as a result, three sections of Interstate 80 overlap US 6 in Iowa...
for intersections
|colspan=5 align=center| See Interstate 80 in Iowa
Interstate 80 in Iowa
In the U.S. state of Iowa, Interstate 80 runs east–west between the Omaha-Council Bluffs area and the Quad Cities area, serving Des Moines and Iowa City. It was built along the U.S. Highway 6 corridor and as a result, three sections of Interstate 80 overlap US 6 in Iowa...
for intersections
|colspan=5 align=center| See Interstate 80 in Iowa
Interstate 80 in Iowa
In the U.S. state of Iowa, Interstate 80 runs east–west between the Omaha-Council Bluffs area and the Quad Cities area, serving Des Moines and Iowa City. It was built along the U.S. Highway 6 corridor and as a result, three sections of Interstate 80 overlap US 6 in Iowa...
for intersections
|colspan=3 align=center| See Interstate 74
Interstate 74
Interstate 74 is an Interstate Highway in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Its western end is at an intersection with Interstate 80 in Davenport, Iowa; the eastern end of its Midwest segment is at an intersection with Interstate 75 in Cincinnati, Ohio...
for intersections