Строительство дороги Southeast Connector в Дез-Мойнс вступило в завершающую стадию

Southeast Connector road project enters final phase between Des Moines and Pleasant Hill The Southeast Connector, a road project connecting downtown Des Moines to Pleasant Hill, is entering its final phase of construction after decades of planning and development. Steve Naber, Des Moines city engineer, said, "The city has been talking about a connection to southeast Polk County since actually the '70s. And then in the late '90s was when the planning efforts started. And so, we're excited to make this connection." Construction on the Southeast Connector began in 2010 at Second Avenue near Principal Park downtown. The road stretches east for about 7 miles, crossing railroad tracks and a floodplain, and ends in Pleasant Hill. "We talk about it as a smooth 10-minute commute," said Pleasant Hill City Manager Ben Champ. Champ has been closely following the project and emphasized its importance for connectivity rather than development, as much of the road passes through a floodplain. "This is something that will create a connection to downtown that is faster, that is safer and is out of the floodplain," Champ said. The Southeast Connector will also tie into Highway 65 in Pleasant Hill, providing another benefit for drivers traveling between Des Moines and southeast Polk County. The final 2-mile phase of the project, costing approximately $60 million, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.