North DSM News

A drop in traffic may delay Des Moines Euclid Avenue lane reduction for a year because making an accurate traffic count impossible at this time. 

This data is needed, which gives an accurate springtime traffic pattern, to make sure the lane reduction is done properly and efficiently. 

Euclid Avenue connects the city's north side's east-to-west and was recorded to have anywhere from 14,000 to 20,000 travelers daily, according to a 2016 DOT traffic count.

City Engineer Steve Naber said they didn't have any other options and suggested they would do the traffic count in the spring of 2021 prior to the June slated road alterations, according to the Des Moines Register. 

The project, now set to begin in 2021, would cut Euclid’s four lanes to a westbound lane, an eastbound lane and a center left-turn lane. Street parking would be added between Second and Sixth Avenues. 

The DOT is working with the project as they maintain the part of Euclid Avenue that is part of U.S Highway 6. Naber informed county members the reason behind the wait and the time of year scheduled plays a large part in the smoothness of the operation. Nader said the pavement must be warm enough for paint crews, and the spring schedule also correlated with schools being closed, according to the Des Moines Register. 

The idea behind the Euclid Avenue project is to slow traffic speeds, lower accidents, encourage parking and to boost nearby business.