On Dec. 23, the new Health Sciences Interchange (HSI) on Newton Road opens for service to Cambus passengers. The Hardin Library stop will also reopen. The stop at VA Hospital will reopen in early 2025.
The new bus interchange replaces the VA Loop on Newton Road and increases the number of bus stops from 3 to 5. Routes are now simple to identify due to designated bus stalls. Riders can expect buses sharing the same stalls to travel to the same destinations.
“We look forward to the benefits this new interchange offers riders for more efficient, convenient, and comfortable travel to and from the health sciences campus,” says Mia Brunelli, Cambus manager. “The collaborative approach on this roadway project has allowed Cambus to incorporate much-needed upgrades to this important transit hub.”
Improved pedestrian and rider amenities are included in the project including improved walkways and new bus shelters. The new bus shelters will be installed in spring 2025. The shelters will be the same style as shelters currently installed at Finkbine and Hawkeye Commuter parking lots and offer improvements for rider comfort and safety, including better seating capacity and larger displays for route maps and information.
The HSI is part of the Newton Road project that began in May 2024 to improve the flow of traffic and enable the future construction of a new inpatient tower. Over 500 stops by 12 bus routes are made each day along Newton Road between Cambus, Coralville Transit, and Iowa City Transit. It is an important campus connection point that supports academics, healthcare, and athletics.
How the HSI keeps campus moving
The VA Loop had capacity for 3 buses. The HSI has capacity for 5 buses.
CAMBUS makes 374 stops per day at the VA Loop, VA Hospital, and Hardin Library stops.
The HSI serves 61% of route stops in this area.
Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit will use the VA Hospital and Hardin Library stops for a better connected campus.
Rider upgrades
Buses serving the same stall go in the same direction
New route displays
Improved pedestrian safety
New bus shelters (spring 2025)
Health Sciences Interchange routes and schedules
Cambus routes that served the former VA Loop will resume service at the HSI beginning Dec. 23. Riders can view the full Cambus schedule for the new interchange in the table below or in the Transit app.
| ROUTE | DIRECTION | STOP |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Red Route | To Arts Campus and Main Campus | Hardin Library |
| 32 Blue Route | To WCTC, west residence halls and Main Campus | VA Hospital |
| 34 Research Park | To Research Park campus | HSI Stall 3 |
| 42 Hawkeye-Pentacrest | To downtown/Main Campus | HSI Stall 5 |
| 42 Hawkeye-Pentacrest | To Hawkeye Campus | HSI Stall 4 |
| 52 Finkbine-Pentacrest | To downtown/Main Campus | HSI Stall 5 |
| 52 Finkbine-Pentacrest | To Lots 65, 75 |
|
| 53 VA Loop Shuttle | To Lots 65, 75 | HSI Stall 2 |
| 54 Hancher-Newton Road | To Hancher/Lot 55 | HSI Stall 1 |
