Grand Avenue Lane Closures to Begin November 2
Ames Electric Services will replace power poles, necessitating traffic shifts through November 20.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Ames Electric Services will begin power pole replacement work on Grand Avenue starting November 2, 2026. This project will require significant lane closures north of the 13th Street intersection through November 20.
Why it matters
The utility work is occurring near the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue, an area that has experienced significant traffic congestion and delays for decades. The city is currently moving to acquire two nearby properties to facilitate a larger intersection improvement project scheduled for 2028.
The city is currently in negotiations to acquire two properties located at 1303 Grand Avenue and 1302 Harding Avenue. These acquisitions support a future 2028 infrastructure plan featuring four new left-turn lanes and three expanded street lanes.
The players
Ames Electric Services
This local utility provider is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of power poles throughout the city.
The details
During the construction period, northbound traffic on Grand Avenue will be diverted to the inside southbound lane, while southbound traffic will be limited to the outside lane. Additionally, traffic on 13th Street will be restricted to one lane in each direction at the intersection.
Timeline
Nov. 2, 2026: Lane closures and pole replacement work begins.
Nov. 20, 2026: Expected end date for the current lane closures.
2028: Construction is expected to start for the intersection improvement project.
Market Landscape
This temporary utility maintenance reflects the city's broader strategic shift to address long-term infrastructure bottlenecks at the 13th Street and Grand Avenue intersection. The effort follows a pattern of municipal land acquisition aimed at facilitating major future road capacity expansions.
Commuters should expect delays near the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue due to lane shifts and restricted traffic flow. Residents and local workers should plan for extra travel time until the utility work concludes on November 20.
The takeaway
Drivers in the area should prepare for altered traffic patterns and reduced lane availability during the work. Planning alternate routes can help minimize personal impact while the city completes these infrastructure upgrades.
What happens next
Construction for the intersection improvement project at 13th Street and Grand Avenue is currently slated to begin in 2028.
Further reading
For updates on local construction projects, visit the Ames Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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