I-80 (Interstate 80) Road Conditions
Check for I-80 Road Conditions, work zones, regional hazards, and I-80 Weather Conditions with Live Radar. Our weather map shows current road weather conditions and 12 hour weather, winds and temperature forecasts.
I-80 Weather, Wind, Temp Forecasts with Live Radar
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I-80 Illinois Road Construction
I-80 Ohio Road Conditions
I-80 Road Conditions by State
I-80 Road Conditions Overview
I-80 stretches nearly 2,900 miles coast-to-coast, threading together very different driving environments.
In the western mountain states on I-80 (CA, NV, UT, WY), winter brings heavy snowfall, chain/traction requirements, high-wind restrictions, and occasional multi-day closures—especially over Sierra Nevada passes, the Bonneville Salt Flats, Parley’s Canyon, and the Continental Divide. On I-80 in the Great Plains (NE, IA), blizzards and drifting snow can trigger short-term closures or “travel not advised” alerts, but the flat terrain lets plows clear the road quickly.
In the Midwest (IL, IN, OH), lake-effect snow and ice storms may cause brief whiteouts or crash-related stoppages, yet dense populations ensure fast reopenings. In the Northeast (PA, NJ), forested highlands and sudden snow squalls can lead to pileups and occasional shutdowns, while heavy commuter traffic around Philadelphia and New York keeps speeds down year-round.
All 11 states see summer dominated by roadwork—resurfacing, bridge repairs, climbing lanes, and major interchange overhauls. Work zones often shift lanes, reduce speed limits, and close ramps overnight or during off-peak hours. Even in warm weather, thunderstorms or rare infrastructure issues (e.g., sinkholes) can briefly halt traffic.
Regional Hazards Along I-80
Nearly 2,900 miles coast-to-coast through 11 states
Mountain West:
Heavy winter snow (e.g. Donner Summit averages 30 ft/year)
Temporary closures or chain requirements
High Plains (WY, NE):
Blizzard conditions, fierce crosswinds
Ground blizzards and whiteouts
Great Lakes Corridor (IN, OH, PA):
Sudden lake-effect snow squalls
Visibility can drop to near zero
Midwest Summers:
Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, occasional tornadoes
These regional hazards highlight how wildly conditions can change along I-80. From deep snowpack in the Sierra Nevada to blizzard-driven whiteouts on the high plains, each segment demands awareness of its local perils. Summer storms in the Midwest add another layer of unpredictability, making I-80 a corridor of many faces.
Current Road Conditions & Work Zones on I-80
One of America’s busiest interstates—constant upkeep
Year-round work zones, but most in spring/summer
Typical activities:
Resurfacing long rural stretches (e.g. Nebraska)
Upgrades and repairs at urban interchanges (Sacramento, Chicago)
Impact on drivers: reduced speeds, lane shifts, occasional slowdowns
Because of heavy freight and traveler volumes, I-80 is under continual maintenance. Work zones ensure safety and capacity improvements but often come with delays and changing traffic patterns. Staying informed about active construction helps drivers plan around slowdowns and avoid unexpected detours.
I-80 Mountain Passes and Rock-Slide Areas
Crosses several high passes: Donner Summit (CA), Parley’s Summit (UT), Wyoming plateaus, Pennsylvania highlands
Winter challenges: steep climbs, icy surfaces, chain controls
Year-round risks: fog, high-wind gusts
Rock/mudslides: hillside cuts can block lanes after rain or freeze-thaw
Mountain segments of I-80 pack in elevation changes and geological hazards. Steep grades and narrow canyons make these stretches prone to snow buildup and sudden rockfalls. Even in summer, fog or gusty winds can catch drivers off-guard, underscoring the need for vigilance on these high-altitude sections.
Seasonal & Maintenance Closures on I-80
Seasonal (weather) closures:
Winter blizzards often force shutdowns in Sierra Nevada, Wyoming
Planned maintenance closures:
Overnight/weekend ramp or lane closures for repaving or bridge work
Publicized in advance with detours
Closures on I-80 fall into two buckets: those imposed by nature and those scheduled for upkeep. Winter storms may shut down key passes for hours or days, while planned maintenance is managed to minimize disruption—usually at night or on weekends. Knowing closure schedules helps travelers avoid being stranded or rerouted unexpectedly.
High-Risk Zones & Traffic Hazards on I-80
Wyoming (Rawlins→Laramie): extreme crosswinds toppling trucks
Midwest winter: ice/fog-induced pileups
Urban areas (Chicago suburbs, NYC approach): heavy congestion, complex interchanges
Rural monotony: fatigue-driven speeding; wildlife crossings in forested PA
Certain stretches of I-80 stand out for their danger. Wind-prone corridors in Wyoming, sudden winter hazards in the Plains, and traffic chokes near major cities each pose unique threats. Even long rural runs can lull drivers into fatigue or lead to unexpected animal encounters, making these “hotspots” where extra attention pays dividends.
Real-Time Traffic & Weather Tools on I-80
511 systems & DOT apps: live traffic, construction alerts, travel times
Highway message boards: dynamic speed limits, weather warnings
Traffic cameras: state DOT sites/apps show congestion or storms
Weather apps & radar feeds: track cell movement, wind advisories
Modern tools put critical info at drivers’ fingertips. Whether via mobile apps, roadside signs, or web‐based camera feeds, real-time data lets you reroute around accidents, time your drive to avoid storms, and anticipate slowdowns. Leveraging these resources transforms a cross-country trek into a more predictable and manageable journey.
