Des Moines Will Reopen Ingersoll Avenue Lanes in December

The city will remove construction barriers between 31st and 35th streets following utility and infrastructure upgrades.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a newly paved city road and underground utility structure, representing urban infrastructure improvements. — The City of Des Moines will reopen Ingersoll Avenue between 31st and 35th streets in December following major utility and infrastructure upgrades. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Will local streetscape construction reach its scheduled completion date by the summer of 2029?

The City of Des Moines is set to reopen lanes on Ingersoll Avenue between 31st and 35th streets in December. The reopening follows the completion of phase five in a multi-year streetscaping project aimed at upgrading aging infrastructure and improving public safety.

Why it matters

The streetscaping project serves to modernize essential utility infrastructure originally installed in the 1900s. By relocating systems underground and improving road design, the city seeks to ensure the long-term safety and aesthetic appeal of this busy corridor.

Phase five involved the installation of 2,000 feet of storm sewer systems and 600 feet of water mains. Additionally, crews relocated 1,700 feet of electrical conduit underground to support the area.

The players

City of Des Moines

This local municipal government is the primary authority overseeing the multi-phase infrastructure project on Ingersoll Avenue.

The details

Construction crews successfully built retaining walls on the south side of the 31st to 35th street stretch to support the new layout. This phase is part of a larger six-part streetscaping plan that has been underway since 2020.

The Ingersoll streetscaping project began in 2020.
Lanes from 31st to 35th streets will reopen in December 2026.
The north side of the strip is expected to close in spring 2027.
Construction on the 31st to 35th section will conclude by summer 2027.
The full streetscaping project is estimated to finish by summer 2029.

Market Landscape

The upgrades on Ingersoll Avenue capitalize on a trend of urban revitalization to support high foot traffic, which reached 2.8 million visitors last year. This ongoing investment positions the district to remain competitive as a primary retail and residential hub against other developing city areas.

Drivers and local commuters will regain access to blocked lanes on the south side of Ingersoll Avenue starting this December. The city expects these improvements to facilitate smoother traffic flow while maintaining the street's high volume of daily visitors.

The takeaway

The ongoing infrastructure updates reflect a long-term commitment to upgrading outdated systems from the 1900s. Residents should plan for further construction phases as the project continues toward its full completion in 2029.