City of Des Moines Engineering

09/29/2026

⚠️ FLOOD WATCH ACTIVATED - INCOMING RAINFALL ⚠️
We're in for multiple rounds of significant rainfall and are under a Flood Watch until the early hours of Friday morning, with the US National Weather Service Des Moines Iowa, expecting 2-4 inches of rain.

Flash flooding is likely in low-lying areas and may cause impacts to roadways and travel routes - stay vigilant while driving and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES. TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

09/16/2026

OUTDATED POST: Check DSM.city/FloodAlert for the latest.

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Water has receded from George Flagg Parkway and it will be reopened today.

The road has been cleaned by our street cleaning and sewer operations crews, and signage/barricades are being removed.

Thank you for your patience!

09/16/2026

Heads up, Des Moines Residents!

Take advantage of our Private Property Protection Program offered through Des Moines Public Works

Take advantage of our Private Property Protection Program and reduce the likelihood of water overflowing or backing up into your home!

The City offers Des Moines residents who meet program requirements a 100% reimbursement (up to $1,500) for approved projects, including:

• NEW installation of a sump pump (replacements ineligible)
• Installation of a backwater valve
• Disconnection of roof leaders to sanitary sewer

Visit our website and submit an application today!

09/09/2026

An important update on Trail Closures and Park Impacts throughout the City as we continue to respond to the damage caused by the storm.

09/09/2026

Heads up!

Due to flooding from the Raccoon River, George Flagg Parkway will be closed from Park Avenue to SW 30th Street. Please use alternate routes to navigate the area.

Additional road and trail closures are possible, please do not attempt to pass barricades or flooded roadways.

UPDATE: George Flagg Parkway has reopened to traffic. See Des Moines Public Works latest post.

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🚧 FLOOD CLOSURE: George Flagg Parkway

Due to flooding from the Raccoon River, George Flagg Parkway will be closed from Park Avenue to SW 30th Street. Please use alternate routes to navigate the area.

Additional road and trail closures are possible, please do not attempt to pass barricades or flooded roadways.

Further closers in the area may be necessary as river and creek levels rise. We will update you here and at DSM.city/FloodAlert if that is the case.

For trees downed in power lines or power outages, please report them to MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632 or on their website: https://www.midamericanenergy.com/ecss/Outage

Trees or branches blocking public roadways or sidewalks can be reported to our Forestry Division with the myDSM app, available at DSM.city/Report.

Des Moines Police and Fire personnel have been actively assisting residents during recent flooding. If you witness someone stranded in flood waters, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stay safe around flooded roadways and remember—TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! Thank you!

09/02/2026

The Southeast Connector is taking shape!

Take a look at the latest construction progress on this major infrastructure project, which will create a new east-west connection between downtown Des Moines and U.S. Highway 65.

This project will:
- Improve regional transportation and the movement of people and goods
- Create safer, more direct connections through southeast Des Moines
- Add a multi-use trail for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Strengthen flood protection through improvements to the Southeast Des Moines levee system
- Support future development and redevelopment throughout the corridor

Watch the video for a look at the progress being made and what the completed Southeast Connector will mean for Des Moines.

Learn more at: https://www.dsm.city/SE_Connector_Project___Martin_Luther_King_Jr_Parkway_to_U_S__Highway_65409.php

08/24/2026

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The 2nd Avenue Corridor Reconstruction project is nearing completion!

2nd Avenue will be closed to traffic between University Avenue and Holcomb Avenue:

Friday, Aug. 28, beginning at 7 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 30, at 10 p.m. All work during this planned closure is weather permitting.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:
This project included full pavement reconstruction, new curbs and gutters, wider sidewalks, intersection and access-management improvements, and new storm sewer infrastructure.

The improvements will provide a safer, more reliable corridor while supporting the City’s efforts to separate stormwater from the combined sanitary sewer system serving the River Bend and King Irving neighborhoods.

WHAT TO KNOW:
A signed detour will direct drivers to 6th Avenue.
Local traffic accessing businesses on the east side of 2nd Avenue should use Ohio Street.
Driveways directly off 2nd Avenue will be temporarily inaccessible until paving is complete and the surface is safe to drive on.

The road is expected to reopen before the Monday morning commute. Thank you to residents, businesses, and travelers for your continued patience as this major corridor investment approaches completion!

Learn more: https://www.dsm.city/2nd_Avenue_Corridor_Reconstruction___University_to_Des_Moines_River424.php

07/28/2026

As we prepare for the FY28 budget, our City leaders want to hear directly from residents and community members on which services matter most to you. This week marks the end of this opportunity to make your voice heard by taking the City of Des Moines Budget Savings Calculator exercise.

The City of Des Moines is facing a $12 million budget shortfall following changes to property tax legislation by state lawmakers, which limit revenue growth and impact our ability to maintain current service levels.

City leaders have already identified $6.43 million in administrative cost savings, but they are seeking your input on which services to prioritize as we look at making up the rest of the gap anticipated in next year's budget.

This exercise remains open for you to provide your feedback through Friday, July 31! Visit the link below to access the Budget Savings Calculator exercise.

The City of Des Moines is facing a budget shortfall following several changes to Iowa state property tax legislation. Utilize this tool to identify your priorities as we work through service levels.

07/28/2026

🚧 Traffic Alert: Saylor Road Closure 🚧

Beginning Wednesday, July 29, at 9 a.m., Saylor Road between Watson Avenue and Arthur Avenue will be closed for gas main improvements. The closure is expected to remain in place through Friday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m., weather permitting.

The project will increase natural gas capacity to the neighborhood while replacing aging gas valves. Construction is expected to be completed before Des Moines Public Schools returns to class.

Local access will be maintained for surrounding neighborhood streets and Captain Roy’s throughout construction.

Detour Route:
➡️ E. Washington Avenue
➡️ E. 9th Street
➡️ Hull Avenue
➡️ Cornell Street

Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution around the work zone. Thank you for your patience as this important infrastructure improvement is completed.

07/16/2026

After a short pause for the Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival, the Hickman Resurfacing Project is back at it, with the goal of finishing the project in the coming weeks.

Take a look at a quick fly-through of the progress made so far.

As always, thank you for your patience, and look out for one another while out on the roads!