(Des Moines, IA) -- Drivers on the western edge of downtown Des Moines are noticing some major traffic flow changes. The changes were prompted by the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority's (WRA) Ingersoll Run Sewer Separation Project.
The project will eliminate a combined sanitary and stormwater sewer overflow, allowing the WRA to treat wastewater before discharging it into the Des Moines River. Previously, periods of heavy rainfall would overflow the combined sewer system which caused untreated wastewater to discharge into the river.
"This is the last of several EPA-mandated projects that aim to eliminate combined sewer overflows" said WRA Facilities Engineer Melissa Schlickbernd. "They are all a part of the WRA's mission to enhance water quality, protect our environment and improve public health."
Residents and visitors have already seen work being done around Western Gateway Park, with the installation of curb bump-outs at major intersections and sewer installation work beginning on 15th Street between Mulberry and Walnut Streets.
Sewer installation will continue north, with 15th Street closing between Walnut and Locust Street. Work will progress west on Locust toward the Fleur Drive to Grand Avenue intersection, which is a major part of the City's traffic improvements for the project.
"Before West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway was constructed, the Fleur Drive Bridge was the main way to travel between the airport and downtown," said City Engineer Steven Naber. "Usage has dropped by over 82%, and with the WRA's project taking place, now is the time to reconfigure this obscure intersection and look at how we can make safety improvements for all travelers."
The intersection of Fleur Drive, Locust Street, Grand Avenue and 18th Street is now closed, and the area will be turned into a green space, including a multi-use trail between Ingersoll Avenue and the Meredith Trail.
"We've got a lot of pedestrians and cyclists around here along with Central Campus," Naber said. "These improvements are going to make it much safer for both trail users and motorists."