Construction of Phase 5 of the transformational streetscape project will continue in 2026 on Ingersoll Avenue. A public meeting (watch full video below) was held on Jan. 14 to outline the project goals, timeline and impact for this season.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the project.
What areas will be under construction in 2025? Phase 5 will impact Ingersoll Avenue between 31st–35th Streets. Bookmark this page for weekly project updates once construction begins in the early spring.
Completed section of Ingersoll streetscape near the 2300 block
What are the project goals for Phase 5? The project goals of Phase 5 are to replace aging roadway pavement, add protected bike lanes, add permeable paver parking stalls, and update utilities. In addition, streetscape elements will be added including new, ADA-accessible widened sidewalks, planter beds and pedestrian amenities. Due to the grade in this section, new retaining walls will also be added in some sections.
By the end, this section of Ingersoll will have a consistent look and function as the streetscape between MLK-31st Street. To learn more about the overall goals of the streetscape project, click here.
How many phases of this project are there? There are 6 total phases. Phases 1-4 are complete. Phase 5 will be under construction this year. Phase 6 (35th-42nd Street) is currently being designed. Construction schedule of Phase 6 is tentatively planned for 2028.
LEARN MORE: City of Des Moines project website
What is the timeline for Phase 5? Shekar Engineering has been selected for this project. Weather pending, they will start construction in early spring and complete all road work this fall. Additional work and landscaping will likely continue into Spring 2027.
How will construction impact traffic on Ingersoll? Engineers have staged the construction project to be as minimally impactful on traffic and on-street parking as possible. Throughout the construction project, two-way traffic will remain operational but on-street parking will be eliminated for the duration of the project. Please utilize private, off-street parking lots for the businesses you are accessing.
How will construction impact local businesses? Impacts to businesses will be driveway replacements, parking lot reconstruction (3200 Ingersoll) and eliminated on-street parking. Some driveways will be reconstructed outside of business hours if that business only has one point of entry. Project leaders are actively pursuing alternative parking options while construction is in progress. Look for signage alerting you where to enter and exit the local business you are trying to access. Please continue to patronize your favorite Ingersoll businesses during this construction period to show your support!
LEARN MORE: Renowned architect first envisioned Ingersoll streetscape
How will parking be impacted by this phase of streetscape? At the end of construction, this section of Ingersoll Avenue will gain +2 on-street parking stalls due to eliminated driveways on various properties.
How does this project make Ingersoll Avenue safer? Phases 1-4 have proven that the streetscape design is effective at lowering traffic speeds on the corridor which improves safety for all users. Amenities like flashing beacon crossings and bump-outs provide additional safety for pedestrians. The new protected bike lanes along the Ingersoll streetscape provide a clear and distinct separation from traffic and increases cyclist visibility, reducing the likelihood of collisions with vehicles. Protected lanes and increased bike infrastructure makes cycling more accessible to a wider range of individuals, including less experienced riders.
