Construction Updates Across Des Moines

If it feels like there’s construction happening everywhere right now….you’re not wrong.

Across Des Moines, multiple infrastructure projects are underway, some led by the City, others by partner agencies and/or utility providers.

While these projects are essential to maintaining and improving our community, we recognize they are also impacting daily travel, commutes, and neighborhoods in a very real way.

I want to take a moment to share what’s happening, what to expect, and how we’re working to manage these impacts.

Major Projects Currently Underway

Barnes Creek Trail (S 240^th Street Improvements)

Construction is underway along South 240^th Street between 16^th Avenue S and 20^th Avenue S. This project includes new sidewalks, a multi-use trail, underground utilities, lighting, and roadway improvements.

Traffic Impact: South 240^th Street is closed to through traffic and limited to local access only through the end of July.

What to Expect: Detours are in place, please follow posted signage and allow extra travel time.

______________________________________________________



16^th Avenue South Force Main Project (Midway Sewer District)

This project will upgrade critical sewer infrastructure between Kent-Des Moines Road and South 252^nd Street, including work at the North Twin Bridge. 

Traffic Impact: Full closure of 16^th Avenue S between S 250^th Street and S 252^nd Street (early April through Mid-May).

What to Expect: Detours will be provided; local and emergency access will be maintained as feasible. We have heard concerns about speeding through detour areas—our Police Department is heavily focusing their traffic enforcement efforts in these areas.

______________________________________________________

North Hill Water Main Replacement Project

(Highline Water District)

Work is underway in the North Hill neighborhood to replace aging water infrastructure and improve long term system reliability.

Traffic Impact: Multiple roadways between S. 206^th Street and S 208^th Street, including 1^st Place S, 2^nd Avenue S, 4^th Avenue S, 4^th Place S, 6^th Avenue S, 7^th Avenue S, 7^th Place S, 9^th Avenue S and 10^th Avenue S (Weekdays, 7:00AM-7:00PM April through early December).

What to Expect: Each roadway segment will be impacted for approximately three weeks.

To help reduce disruption, the project is being completed in phases:

• There are nine total work segments in the neighborhood
• No more than two segments will be under construction at the same time
• The overall project is expected to take approximately 150 working days

This phased approach helps balance progress with minimizing impacts to residents, though it does extend the overall timeline.

______________________________________________________

Fiber Installation Work (Ezee Fiber)

In addition to planned public works projects, private utility work, particularly fiber installation, has added to the level of disruption.

We’ve heard significant feedback from residents regarding:

• Safety concerns related to utility strikes (including gas line incidents)
• Delays in restoring yards and landscaping
• Traffic and speed issues in detour and neighborhood areas

We want to be clear: although construction is always somewhat disruptive, the current level of issues is not acceptable.

City staff, including senior leadership, are actively working with Ezee Fiber to address these concerns. We have clearly communicated expectations for:

• Safer construction practices
• Faster restoration timelines (goal of 7-10 days after installation)
• Improved communication and responsiveness to residents

______________________________________________________

What the City is doing:

• Assigning inspectors to closely monitor work in the field
• Tracking and documenting issues and incidents
• Reinforcing requirements for safe excavation and proper utility locates
• Holding off on additional permits until current work meets expectations
• Coordinating with Police on targeted traffic enforcement in impacted areas

If performance does not improve, we are prepared to consider additional actions, including a stop work order.

Why So Much Construction at Once?

We understand it can feel overwhelming.

Whenever possible, the City coordinates projects with utility providers to complete work at the same time, reducing the need to tear up roads multiple times and ultimately saving time and taxpayer dollars. 

However, the tradeoff is that impacts can feel more intense in the short term when several projects overlap. Additionally, due to the weather in our lovely state, there is a limited number of months that outdoor construction work can occur, which results in the spring and summer being very busy.

We are using what we’ve learned to set clearer expectations upfront for future projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are all these projects happening at once?

It is mixture of reasons—the need for critical infrastructure like sewer systems and roads, and private companies responding to customer demand for more fiber choices. Also, due to the weather in Washington, there is a limited number of months that outdoor construction work can occur, which results in the spring and summer being very busy.

Why are roads fully closed instead of partially open?

In many cases, full closures allow work to be completed more safely and efficiently, reducing the overall duration of the project.

How long will these impacts last?

Timelines vary by project, but many of the current closures are expected to improve or reopen by mid to late summer.

What should I do if I see an issue?

If you notice a safety concern, incomplete restoration, or other issues, please report it to the City so we can follow up directly with the contractor. 206-878-4595

Is the City monitoring this work?

Yes. City inspectors are actively in the field, and we are holding contractors accountable to City standards. 

We know this is frustrating. These projects affect your daily routines, your neighborhoods, and your sense of ease getting around the City.

At the same time, this work is critical to maintaining and improving Des Moines’ infrastructure, both above and below ground.

We truly appreciate your patience as we work through this period of heavy construction, and we remain committed to ensuring the work is done safely, responsibly, and with as little disruption as possible. 

Help Set Council Salaries

The City of Des Moines is seeking residents interested in serving on its newly established Salary Commission.

The Salary Commission is an independent body responsible for reviewing and setting the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilmembers. This process helps ensure that compensation is determined in a fair, transparent, and objective manner, consistent with state law.

We are looking for community members who are interested in civic engagement and bringing a thoughtful, balanced perspective to this important responsibility. Serving on the Commission is a unique opportunity to contribute to the City’s governance and help promote accountability and public trust.

Additional details regarding qualifications, expectations, and the application process are available on the City’s website.

If you are interested in serving your community in this capacity, apply today!

Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report

Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.

Be in the know! Sign up today!