Fleur Drive's Major Construction Improvements Complete

Des Moines, Iowa- Friday, September 12, 2025 - After nearly six years of phased improvements, resurfacing, beautification, and rehabilitation, the City of Des Moines is proud to announce the completion of the Fleur Drive Reconstruction project.

"We know the running joke has been that Fleur Drive is always under construction," City Engineer Steve Naber said. "Today, we're happy to say that the city is done with construction on Fleur Drive, and travelers will appreciate the new pavement and new sidewalks along with the beautiful, landscaped medians."

The multi-year project included:

• Full Roadway Reconstruction: The segment of Fleur Drive from McKinley Avenue to Bell Avenue required replacement of deteriorated roadway foundations, underground utility relocation and upgrades, and complete roadway reconstruction.
• Resurfaced Pavement: The remaining segments of Fleur Drive required rehabilitation of the pavement. Including resurfacing the roadway with a new pavement surface.
• Sidewalk/Pedestrian Safety Upgrades: Completing the sidewalk network on both sides of the road, upgrading pedestrian mobility for safer connections to businesses, neighborhoods and parks.
• Median Improvements: Installation of new landscaping and irrigation systems in the 17 "median gardens," providing a colorful "welcome mat" into Des Moines.

The effort represented more than $23 million in infrastructure investment and involved close coordination among contractors, utility providers, and city departments.

The completion of this project marks the end of a long chapter in Des Moines' infrastructure upgrades. Ongoing adjacent improvement projects-upgrading our flood protection system at George Flagg Parkway and improving our amenities at Grays Lake-are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025 and the spring of 2026.

"We appreciate the patience and humor our residents showed through this process. It takes a lot of effort and coordination to rebuild our infrastructure," Mayor Connie Boesen said. "We've all earned the right to laugh about the ongoing self-improvement, and more importantly, to travel Fleur Drive without dodging cones."

Contact
Devin Perry
Communications Specialist III, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-3966
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live there. Visit DSM.city, Facebook, and X for more information.