07/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 22:30
Press Release
Des Moines, Iowa- Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - The Fleur Drive Bridge has fully reopened following the completion of several traffic safety improvements in the Western Gateway area of downtown Des Moines.
Contractors completed their work five months ahead of the December 2025 deadline, giving residents and visitors access to a convenient downtown entryway during the height of the summer event season.
The improvements were part of the City Engineering Department's 18th Street Reconstruction Project and were constructed in cooperation with the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority's (WRA) Ingersoll Run Outlet Sewer Project, which was completed this spring.
"When the WRA planned this final segment of their essential sewer separation project, we took the opportunity work with them to add some improvements of our own," said City Engineer Steve Naber. "With streets being dug up to bury sewer lines, it was the perfect time to make this area safer for all users."
The most noticeable change to the area is the removal of the the intersection of Fleur Drive, Locust Street and Grand Avenue near 18th Street and Central Campus.
The entire intersection has been replaced with green space and a shared use trail that connects bike lanes on Ingersoll to the Meredith Trail leading to Gray's Lake.
"This was an obscure, confusing intersection that no longer served as the sole connection between downtown and the airport," Naber said. "These improvements make the area safer for all users, whether they're driving, biking or walking."
Additional changes include added bike lanes, curb bump-outs for safer crossing, and the two-way conversion of both Locust Street and Grand Avenue west of 15th Street for ease of movement through the Western Gateway.
Travelers are asked to pay attention to new traffic configurations in the area, including a temporary stop sign at the southbound entrance of Fleur Drive Bridge.
Residents and visitors can always find the latest road and trail closures are always available at DSM.city/Closures.