If there is one thing Fort Dodge residents have consistently complained about over the years, it is the condition of the city’s streets.

This year they may have something entirely different to complain about: the amount of road work that will be impacting their daily travels.

It does no good to point fingers or accuse anyone of negligence, but the reality is that our city’s infrastructure problems were caused by years of neglect. Nothing was done to maintain and improve things.

Over the last few years, that has been changing. And this year’s construction season promises to be an epic one.

It will feature all of the usual concrete and asphalt paving, the reconstruction of the intersection of Second Avenue North and 15th Street, the rebuilding of part of Third Avenue Northwest, and a big bridge job on Fifth Avenue South. There are also a couple of water main jobs in the works. And to top it all off, the long awaited replacement of the Highland Park Avenue Bridge may start late this year.

Getting around town may be a pain this year. But there are very few improvement projects that don’t come with some pain. Those who have done big improvement projects in their homes know it is a hassle, but the results are worth it.

This year of construction will be good for Fort Dodge. It will solidify – literally – the city’s infrastructure for the future.

An added benefit is that the long list of projects is providing work for local contractors and paychecks for their employees. With the exception of the one for the Fifth Avenue South bridge job, all the contracts awarded so far have gone to Fort Dodge companies. And that is money that will stay in the local economy, supporting local families and businesses.

When it is all done, Fort Dodge will have safer, smoother roads and an improved intersection. And it will have some new 16-inch diameter water mains that aren’t likely to burst into spectacular geysers.

As the season goes on and the orange construction signs proliferate, we encourage people to be patient. The construction workers aren’t doing this to make you late even though sometimes it may feel that way.

Drivers should also slow down. The workers have the right to be safe. Also, speeding fines double in work zones and we’re pretty sure the local police will throw the book at anyone they catch zooming by a job site.