An estimated $17.5 million overhaul of the Second Avenue corridor on downtown Des Moines is moving forward.
The Des Moines City Council on Monday approved construction bids to reconstruct Second Avenue from University Avenue to the Des Moines River. The project is part of a larger effort that began last year to renovate several major infrastructure projects along Second Avenue, including replacing the Second Avenue Bridge at Birdland Drive, installing a new storm sewer on the west side of Second Avenue and its Involves repairing roadways. And intersections.
Reconstruction of the bridge over Birdland Drive and rehabilitation of the Second Avenue Bridge over the Des Moines River, at a total cost of $10 million, were completed in summer 2023.
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The Second Avenue reconstruction project covers a roughly one-mile stretch from University Avenue to the Des Moines River, according to a council communications memo. City officials say the makeover, which will include everything from sidewalk reconstruction to water main replacement, is expected to improve safety on the corridor, according to a traffic study completed in 2019.
The project could affect 52 properties, specifically the Planned Parenthood warehouse at 123 Clark St., which the city purchased from the organization through a “voluntary agreement” in May for $1.4 million, city engineer Steve Naber previously said in Des Moines. Was told to get registered.
What is included in the Second Avenue Reconstruction Project?
According to the city, what the reconstruction includes:
Complete pavement reconstruction to four lanes with 11-foot-wide lanes, new curbs and gutters, and new five-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides.
Realignment of the eastern leg of Forest Avenue at the intersection of Forest and Second Avenue to align with the western leg of the intersection.
Realignment of the eastern portion of Clark Street at the intersection of Clark and Second Avenue to align with the western portion of the intersection of Clark and Second.
Adding left turn lanes at the following intersections along Second Avenue: Franklin, College and Forest avenues and Clark Street.
Eliminate and/or consolidate driveway access along the corridor to reduce the number of conflict points/turn movements.
Install new storm water sewer on the western side of Second Avenue, from College Avenue to the Des Moines River.
Replacement of water main under Second Avenue by the Des Moines Water Works.
Which roads will be closed during construction?
According to the city, drivers can expect road closures and lane reductions during construction. Second Avenue will have one lane of traffic open in each direction at a time.
For the most part, there will be driveway access points along the corridor via temporary gravel access, except when construction is occurring directly in front of the access or the access is being altered, according to the city.
When will the construction of Second Avenue begin?
According to the council memorandum, construction is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2026. Utility work could begin in autumn 2023.