DES MOINES, Iowa — With the Iowa State Fair fast approaching, DART is alerting fairgoers to plan ahead as nearby construction projects may lead to minor disruptions in the shuttle service.

While DART will continue to operate its annual Fair Shuttle with three convenient Park & Ride options, ongoing road construction in Des Moines and Pleasant Hill is forcing route adjustments that could lead to longer wait times for some riders.

As in past years, DART’s shuttle service allows attendees to park for free at any of three designated sites — the 7th and Center Street Parking Garage, the Iowa State Capitol, and Southeast Polk High School — and ride a shuttle directly to the fairgrounds' Gate 10 entrance with the purchase of a shuttle ticket.

However, officials caution that the route serving Southeast Polk High School may experience notable delays due to detours caused by nearby construction.

"Riders from the Southeast Polk Park & Ride location may experience longer wait times due to the detours," officials said in a statement.

Additionally, unlike previous years, there will be no overflow parking available at Southeast Polk Junior High School due to ongoing construction. This reduction in parking capacity means that early arrival will be essential for those intending to park at the Southeast Polk site.

“We expect the high school parking lots to fill up by mid-morning and remain full through the evening hours,” officials noted. They added that on some days, “there may be no parking available before noon due to a special event.”

Shuttle service will start daily at 8 a.m. throughout the fair and will run until midnight, except for the final day, Sunday, August 17, when the fair closes early and shuttle service will end accordingly.

Shuttle tickets are available for purchase on-site starting at $3 at all Park & Ride booth locations.

For further details on routes, tickets, and parking availability, fairgoers are encouraged to check the official DART website before heading out.

Additional Contextual Content:

This year’s Iowa State Fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors each day, putting added pressure on transportation services. DART’s Park & Ride system has been a reliable alternative for avoiding heavy traffic near the fairgrounds, but construction-related changes have prompted officials to increase public awareness.

City infrastructure projects near Pleasant Hill and eastern Des Moines have forced rerouting of shuttle buses, with DART working closely with local officials to ensure safety and efficiency.

In a show of collaboration, local law enforcement and DART officials will be stationed at Park & Ride sites to assist with traffic flow and address any rider concerns.

While minor disruptions are expected, DART is confident that its shuttle system will still provide a smooth and efficient option for fair transportation. Still, fairgoers are encouraged to remain flexible and patient amid the changes.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work to maintain a safe and accessible shuttle service during this busy time,” DART officials added.

Originally reported by Natasha Keicher in WHO 13 News.