2nd Avenue to Close at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway as Essential Sewer Separation Progresses

The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) will close Second Avenue at W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway starting August 27, 2023, to continue work on the EPA-mandated Ingersoll Run Sewer Separation Project. This closure is expected to last three to four months, depending on an archeological study due to the area's historical significance as the site of Fort Des Moines in the 1840s. The WRA has been preparing for this closure since the project's inception in April, making it a critical phase in improving local infrastructure. With the completion of work in the western third of the project, significant traffic impacts will arise, with residents needing to divert west at W Martin Luther King Jr.

Parkway to reach downtown. The WRA acknowledges the cooperation of residents and emphasizes that these changes are essential for cleaner water for the community. Updates will continue to be provided through the WRA website and the City’s Engineering project map. The project aims to enhance the water quality in Des Moines, a city committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The WRA expresses gratitude for the residents' patience as they navigate these necessary traffic adjustments.