Construction resumed this week on the South 16th Street widening project in front of the Veterinary Medicine campus. This city of Ames project is phased over two road construction seasons: the east half, starting at the Veterinary Medicine trail, was completed last summer, and the west half, up to the University Boulevard intersection, will be widened to four lanes this year.
To accommodate the university's academic calendar and football season, the project is scheduled for substantial completion by Friday, Aug. 21.
This spring's work is beginning with demolition and replacement of the north/west-bound lane. This phase is anticipated to last eight to 10 weeks, weather permitting. Work then will switch to the south/east-bound lane.
The project also includes extending storm sewer infrastructure along South 16th Street, adding curb and gutter, and building a 10-foot-wide, multi-use sidewalk along both sides of the four-lane road. While a city project, numerous university teams, including real estate and capital planning, Vet Med leaders, facilities planning and management, recreation services and athletics, have supported the planning for this project.
A few notes about maneuvering through the construction zone:
- Access to Veterinary Medicine buildings will be maintained throughout the project.
- The shared-use paths along South 16th Street will be closed throughout the project. Pedestrians and cyclists should seek alternate routes during construction.
- Single-lane traffic in each direction will be maintained in the construction zone throughout the project. Drivers are asked to heed lower speed limits.
