Those symbols of construction zones will be found throughout the city as crews tackle an ambitious slate of projects that includes paving, a major intersection job, water main replacements and bridge work.

‘It’s probably a little bit more than we typically do,” City Engineer Austin Morrow said.

Already, Eighth Street between First and Second avenues south is closed while large sections of concrete are replaced. That work is part of a bigger concrete patching project, according to Morrow.

Here is a summary of the projects scheduled for this year.

-Messenger graphic by Nick Manwarren
This map shows the location of some of the major construction projects planned in Fort Dodge this year.

Second Avenue North and 15th Street

This intersection, which has been notorious for crashes, will be rebuilt. The plan calls for a left turn lane, a right turn lane and a lane for traffic going straight ahead on each side of the intersection.

Morrow said he expects the work to begin in July.

A few miles straight north of this location, Webster County is converting the intersection of Nelson Avenue and 170th Street into a roundabout.

Morrow said the city is coordinating with the county, but added that he doesn’t think the two projects will impact each other too much.

Third Avenue Northwest

This street will be rebuilt between Seventh Street Northwest and 10th Street Northwest.

Morrow said the road will be converted to three lanes: one eastbound, one westbound and one center turning lane.

A new storm sewer and a new 16-inch diameter water main will be installed.

Rasch Construction, of Fort Dodge, has a $2,119,339 contract for the job.

Morrow said the work will begin this month and is scheduled to be done in mid-November.

Amvets Drive will be the detour route.

Fifth Avenue South bridge

The bridge in the 3300 block of Fifth Avenue South near Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery will receive numerous updates including a new bridge deck, a five-foot wide sidewalk on its south side and curb, joint and storm water inlet repairs.

Jasper Construction Services, of Newton, has an $844,300.78 contract for the job.

The city received a $1.5 million federal grant to pay for the work.

Construction is expected to start the week of June 22 and be completed in September, according to Morrow.

Annual asphalt paving

Parts of 14 streets, mostly on the city’s south side, will be repaved.

Morrow said Amvets Drive has already been repaved so that it can serve as the detour route while part of Third Avenue Northwest is being rebuilt.

Fort Dodge Asphalt has a $1,964,885.06 contract for the work.

Central River District pavilion

This structure will be built south of the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center.

Capable of seating 200 people, it will be at the west end of Central Avenue.

Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge, has a $1,635,795 contract to build it.

Morrow said some earthmoving has already been done for the project.

Loomis Park area water main replacement

There have been many breaks in the water main that runs down North Seventh Street near Loomis Park. To solve the problem a new water main loop is being created that will extend through the park, up North Seventh Street and to Williams Drive.

Rasch Construction, of Fort Dodge, has a $2,562,165 contract for the job.

Work is already underway.

Kenyon Road water main replacement

The water main in this area ruptured a couple of winters ago, creating a spectacular geyser.

Morrow said a new 16-inch diameter main is to be installed along Kenyon Road between Triton Plaza and U.S. Highway 169.

Doyle Construction, of Fort Dodge, has a $243,974.25 contract for the job.

Work is expected to begin this month.

Avenue O water main

A pair of smaller water mains in the area of Avenue O and Avenue B will be replaced with a single 16-inch diameter main.

Doyle Construction, of Fort Dodge, has a $946,810 contract for the job. Work is to begin in July.

Highland Park Avenue Bridge

This timber frame bridge was built in 1925. It carries Highland Park Avenue over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Its replacement has been discussed for at least a decade. Now that replacement job is on the verge of happening.

Morrow said he expects bids for the job will be sought in late summer, with construction taking place over the winter of 2026 and 2027.