After a pause, Ingersoll's streetscape work revs up again

Driving the news: The Des Moines City Council is scheduled to review construction bids on Nov. 25 for the estimated $5.6 million fifth phase, which will extend from 31st Street to 35th Street.

• The work will be consistent with other phases, including a protected one-way cycle track on each side of the street, permeable pavers and sewer upgrades.

Catch up quick: Corridor improvement plans started more than 20 years ago, recommending making the street more pedestrian-friendly.

• The streetscape improvements project phases began in 2020.
• Once finished, the project will stretch nearly 1.5 miles from MLK Jr. Parkway to 42nd Street.

The intrigue: Businesses along the route of the upcoming phase have agreed to eliminate five driveway entrances to help reduce "conflict points" between vehicles and pedestrians, Lauren Kollauf, executive director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, tells Axios.

What's next: Construction of the fifth phase is anticipated to extend into summer 2027.

• Segments of the last phase, between 35th and 42nd streets, were completed during a sewer project a few years ago, with final work expected to be finished in 2028.