IOWA, USA — Construction season is here in the Des Moines metro— so Local 5 is breaking down some of the biggest projects scheduled for 2021.
The City of Nevada is redoing the entire downtown business infrastructure where wastewater lines are 100-years-old.
Mayor Brett Barker said it started last year, then COVID-19 hit.
“It was a blessing and a curse with COVID for us because a lot of the construction took place when businesses were already shut down for COVID," said Mayor Barker.
In Nevada, K Avenue and parts of 6th and 5th Street are already under construction. Residents can, also, expect Lincoln Highway to be renovated this summer. It's costing the city $9 million.
The biggest project for the Iowa Department of Transportation is NE 14th Street from I-80, 35 North to Ankeny. Construction there will cost $32 million.
Scott Nixon, with the Iowa DOT, said you need to watch out for the bridge repair project on I-35 in Ames.
“It will affect traffic through most of the summer," said Nixon. "Basically, the loops within the interchange will close.”
This could take five to six months to complete, meaning the interchange may not reopen until November.
The City of Des Moines will, also, start work on the Municipal Services Center ll Building. This will cost $43 million and will house public works, fleet services, and radio services.
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