Crucial Ingersoll Run Sewer Project to Impact Downtown Traffic Starting April 3

The Ingersoll Run Sewer Project, set to start on April 3, 2023, will significantly impact traffic on W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in downtown Des Moines, with completion expected by December 2024. This initiative by the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) is mandated by the EPA to enhance water quality by rerouting wastewater from combined sanitary sewer overflows directly to treatment facilities. While the north lanes of the parkway will be closed, the south lanes will remain open for head-to-head travel, although delays are likely due to the construction.

The project also faces unique challenges, including the need for archaeological investigations near the historical Fort Des Moines site, which adds complexity to the timeline. WRA officials have reassured residents that while visible construction may not be constant, essential work will be ongoing. Detours and temporary access measures are being established in collaboration with the City’s Traffic and Transportation Division, urging residents to utilize alternate routes. Despite the inconvenience, the WRA emphasizes that the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary disruptions. The project reflects Des Moines' commitment to sustainability and community engagement.