The reconstruction of part of South 29th Street in Fort Dodge is advancing north.

Beginning Monday, the first 250 feet of that street north of First Avenue South will be closed, according to the city’s engineering staff.

The two driveways on the South 29th Street side of Target, 2910 First Ave. S., will be open, but they will be accessible only from the north.

Eastbound and westbound traffic will still be allowed through the intersection of First Avenue South and 29th Street. However, engineers say drivers can expect delays there.

South 29th Street between First Avenue South and Taco Tico at 319 S. 29th St. has been closed since April 2.

A major project designed to help eliminate flooding in the retail area of eastern Fort Dodge is the reason for all of these street closures.

South 29th Street is being torn up so that new storm sewers can be installed. They range in size from 18 inches in diameter to 54 inches in diameter.

City Engineer Tony Trotter has said previously that those new storm sewers “should take care of flooding” east of Crossroads Mall.

An 8-inch diameter water main is also being installed beneath the street, and a natural gas line was relocated.

Sometime this summer, the intersection of First Avenue South and 29th Street will be closed. It will be rebuilt to provide a left turn lane, a lane for traffic going straight ahead and a right turn lane on all four sides of the intersection.

Trotter said the contractor will have 20 days to redo the intersection.

Wicks Construction, of Decorah, has a $2,649,867.10 contract for the entire project.

While the construction is under way, traffic is being detoured onto Fifth Avenue South, South 25th Street and South 32nd Street.