For Fort Dodge residents – particularly those who bemoan the state of city streets – this summer’s spate of road work is good news indeed.

With construction season in full swing, orange barrels and barricades are a common sight for anyone driving throughout the city.

Among the high profile projects presently underway is a reconstruction of First Avenue South between Sixth and Ninth streets, the first major step toward completing the crosstown connector. The work includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers and water mains plus rebuilding the street and sidewalks,

In April, work began to rebuild First Avenue North between Third and Seventh streets. This project includes total reconstruction of the driving surface, sidewalk replacement and installation of new water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers and street lights. Those street lights will be the first LED street lights in the city.

Work to repave and reconfigure Fifth Avenue South between the Menards store and Webster County Road P59 has been completed. Additionally, an annual street repaving job that will result in dozens of roads throughout the city getting a fresh coat of asphalt is also underway.

These projects, and their requisite detours, have created some inconveniences for area drivers.

However, the long-term benefits of smoother, better-designed roads will outweigh any short-term annoyances.

We urge drivers to keep this in mind while weaving through cones or planning alternate routes.