(Des Moines, IA) -- Parts of Grand and Locust Avenues in downtown Des Moines could be turned into two-way streets as soon as next year.
The two city roads will be converted into two-way traffic in 2024 from 15th to 18th Streets due to a sewer project. Construction on Grand and Locust Avenues from 15th Street to the Des Moines River will wait until 2026.
The city held a public meeting Wednesday to hear from residents about the project. City Engineer Steve Naber noticed public reception is mixed.
"Great turnout with a mix of residents, business owners, and developers," said Naber. "There are folks that have concerns and there are folks that strongly support it."
Central Iowans who missed the meeting and want to learn more about the project and voice concerns can give feedback through an interactive map. People can post and respond to comments about specific areas of concern along Grand and Locust Avenues.
The city is considering several design proposals for the project, including a center turn lane, buffered bike lanes, cycle tracks, and other alternatives.
"We need to make these streets more comfortable for folks that are walking along here and three lanes on Grand Avenue causes concerns with speeding vehicles," said Naber. "We've also heard from people who are concerned about delays getting in and out of parking garages. When you go to two-way, there're actually introducing more conflict points."
The goal of the project is to increase safety and connectivity.
"Making the city's downtown streets safe for all users continues our efforts to improve downtown Des Moines as being a vibrant center for activity and culture, a great place to work and live, and continue to be a destination," said Naber.
The city will host another public meeting in Fall 2023 on the preferred finalized concept with alternatives for Grand and Locust Avenues between 15th Street and the Des Moines River.
The final concept will be proposed to the city council by the end of the year with design starting in 2024 and construction expected to begin in 2026.