I just heard Evan Lockridge talking about this today. He said parts of I29 are expected to open soon, but not all of it. Earlier talks were that it might not open until the snow flies.
When I run Winnipeg to Texas, I prefer using I29 to almost MO, then hwy 75 to Topeka. For me its just a minor inconvenience using a different route, mileage is actually shorter but more 2 lane highways. I feel sorry for all the drivers like you that have to add many miles to their trip.
That is my primary stomping ground, since I live in Iowa. Some sections of I-29 are going to have to be totally rebuilt. Same is true for I-680 on the north side of Omaha. This is going to be a long, long process. As was stated, it might be open when the snow flies, but I would bet it will still be a bottle neck clear into summer next year. IDOT is not very optimistic at this point. Best advice is to get out the map, do a little research using things like Mapquest and other routing programs and find the tightest routes you can. Getting online with your laptop or smartphone on Iowa's road condition site is advisable. It is one of the best maintained road condition sites there is.
