Fleur Drive Bridge Closing Temporarily as Sewer Installation Progresses Near Downtown's Western Gateway

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, November 7, 2024 - Starting Monday, November 11, the Fleur Drive bridge connecting to Locust Street will close until next summer to allow for essential sewer and street projects.

The final segment of the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority's (WRA) Ingersoll Run Outlet Sewer Project is progressing significantly and the contractor is ready to begin the next stage of sewer installation in western downtown. As a result, Locust Street will also be closed from Fleur Drive to 16th Street.

The EPA-mandated project will eliminate a combined sanitary and stormwater sewer overflow. During periods of heavy rainfall, combined sewer systems can be overwhelmed which can result in untreated wastewater having to be discharged into the river.

"We appreciate the patience of Des Moines' residents and visitors as we near completion on this important project," said WRA Facilities Engineer Melissa Schlickbernd. "It's all part of the WRA's mission to protect public health, enhance the environment and improve water quality."

In an effort to reduce the overall impact on traffic, the City of Des Moines Engineering Department has partnered with the WRA to complete several safety-focused road and traffic improvements in the area alongside their sewer project.

The intersection of Fleur Drive, Locust Street, Grand Avenue and 18th Street has been closed to eventually be replaced with green space that could one day serve as a small park. A multi-use trail will be added to provide a vital connection between Ingersoll Avenue and the Meredith Trail.

"We're very excited to see the progress with these projects," said City Engineer Steven Naber. "This a joint effort between the WRA and the City that not only protects the local environment, but also promotes safer streets for everyone in Des Moines."

The Fleur Drive Bridge and Locust Street closures are expected to last through summer of 2025. Travelers who use Fleur Drive to enter downtown will be directed to the detour utilizing West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to 16th Street, where they can then access Locust Street.

Residents and visitors are asked to obey all traffic signs and use caution around construction sites. The latest road and trail closures can be found at DSM.city/Closures.

Those with questions regarding the sewer separation work can contact Melissa Schlickbernd at (515) 822-1506 or [email protected]. Traffic improvement questions can be directed to Justin Miller at (515) 208-4933 or [email protected].

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