Photo: City of Des Moines
(Des Moines, IA) -- Starting Monday (November 11th) the Fleur Drive bridge connecting to Locust Street, will close until next summer. Crews will be working on sewer and street projects. The intersection of Fleur, Locust, Grand, and 18th Street hs been closed. It'll eventually be replaced with green space and multi-use trail.
The final segment of the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority's (WRA) Ingersoll Run Outlet Sewer Project is progressing. 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."
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.