City of Des Moines Engineering Department Road Closings

The $426 million project led by the Iowa Department of Transportation will reconstruct I-235 to modern design standards with six through travel lanes (three in each direction) the entire length of the freeway, and with improved entrance and exit ramps. Some sections will be four lanes in each direction and auxiliary lanes will be located between many of the interchanges. The plans also include beautifying the freeway corridor with lighting, plants and other improvements. The I-235 project should be completed by 2006.

1. West M.L. King Jr. Parkway – Fleur Drive to SW 16th Street
The north/south connection to Ingersoll Avenue was open in December of 2004. Work continues on the roadway and signature bridge from Fleur Drive to SW 16th Street. This section is scheduled to open in May.

2. SW 9th Street Viaduct over M. L. King Jr. Parkway
Rehabilitation of this bridge is scheduled to begin in March. This project will require the SW 9th Street Viaduct to be closed for approximately 3 months. During that time, the SW 8th Street Viaduct will be converted to two-way traffic. Work is scheduled to be complete by this fall.

3. SW 9th Street and County Line Road
Intersection improvements are scheduled to begin this summer. Turn lanes will be constructed and traffic signals installed at this intersection.

4. Park Avenue Widening – SW 42nd Street to SW 56th Street
This project is scheduled to begin this spring and last through the end of the year. One-lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained. Left-turn lanes are being added as a part of this widening.

5. Watson Powell Jr. Way Modifications – 2nd Avenue to 7th Street
This project includes conversion of the block between 6th Avenue and 7th Street to allow two-way traffic. Traffic signals will also be rebuilt. Work is scheduled to start this summer and be complete by the fall.

6. McKinley Avenue Reconstruction – Fleur Drive to SW 26th Street
This project will lower and reconstruct the roadway. Work is scheduled to start this spring and be complete by the end of the year.

7. University Avenue Bridge over Des Moines River
This project includes rehabilitation of the arches. Placement of equipment will require closure of an outside traffic lane at times during the work. Work is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by the fall.

8. SE 6th Street Bridge over Des Moines River
This project includes replacement of the expansion joints on the bridge. One lane of traffic in both directions will be maintained. Work is scheduled for late summer and is expected to last two months.

9. Urbandale Avenue – Merle Hay to the West City Limits
This project will install curbs along Urbandale Avenue. The street will be closed to through traffic during construction.

10. 38th Street and Douglas Avenue - Traffic Signals
This project will install traffic signals at 38th Street and Douglas Avenue. Work is scheduled to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall.

Resurfacing

1. University Avenue - 48th Street to 55th Street

Scarification work will not be allowed during peak hours, 6:00 – 9:00 AM and 3:30 – 7:00 PM. Traffic in both directions must be maintained at all times. Paving will take place at night (8:00 PM – 6:00 AM) or during the weekend. The street may be closed during paving.

Resurfacing

2. Park Avenue – SW 42nd Street to Fleur Drive

Scarification work will not be allowed during peak hours, 6:00 – 9:00 AM and 3:30 – 7:00 PM. Traffic in both directions must be maintained at all times. Paving will take place at night (8:00 PM – 6:00 AM) or during the weekend. The street may be closed during paving.

Resurfacing

3. Fleur Drive – Railroad Viaduct to ML King Jr Parkway

Scarification work will not be allowed during peak hours, 6:00 – 9:00 AM and 3:30 – 7:00 PM. Traffic in both directions must be maintained at all times. Paving will take place at night (8:00 PM – 6:00 AM) or during the weekend. The street may be closed during paving.

1. 73rd Street to Cottage Grove Avenue on I-235
The mainline traffic lanes on I-235 from 73rd Street to near Cottage Grove Avenue will be rebuilt. Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained during peak times. This project is scheduled for March through December of this year.