Downtown’s Walnut Street Bridge is closing for reconstruction as soon as Feb. 19, months sooner than anticipated because of favorable weather, city spokesperson Devin Perry tells Axios.
Why it matters: The closure will affect downtown traffic.
- Portions of the Principal Riverwalk and the John Pat Dorrian Trail will be closed until the project is completed in late 2026.
Plus, ” Nitefall on the River ” concert series remains on hiatus during construction.
Catch up fast: The replacement project’s completion was initially anticipated to be last year but was delayed by pandemic-related issues.
- Some City Council members questioned if the bridge work is necessary after projected costs increased more than 70%, from the $11.2 million pre-pandemic estimate.
State of play: The council ultimately approved a $19.1 million construction contract last month.
will have a metal panel facade and, like the current bridge, retain some space for parking. Rendering: Courtesy of the city of Des Moines