Des Moines' Bill Riley Trail will close in phases this summer for new paving

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

Improvements are coming to Bill Riley Trail at Water Works Park this summer and fall. Construction will force closures of the trail through the fall.

When will Bill Riley Trail be closed?

Bill Riley Trail is closing soon, according to Des Moines Parks and Recreation. It may be closed through October.
Bill Riley Trail is closing soon, according to Des Moines Parks and Recreation. It may be closed through October.

Rehabilitation work is expected to happen in four phases. The Bill Riley Trail and and a portion of the Walnut Creek Trail connector will be closed for improvements this summer through fall, the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department posted on Facebook.

The post said there is no official timeline yet, but work isn't expected to begin for another several weeks. The department pledged to provide at least two weeks advanced notice. Contractors are expected to work until October.

The city will require each phase to be completed before moving on to the next in order to keep as much of the trail open as possible. The four phases, which may not be completed in this order, are:

  • Walnut Creek Trail – North Valley Drive to Bill Riley Trail

  • Bill Riley Trail – Ashworth Parking Lot to Walnut Creek Trail T-intersection

  • Bill Riley Trail – Walnut Creek Trail T-intersection to Water Works Park Bridge

  • Bill Riley Trail – Water Works Park Bridge to Meredith Trail at Gray’s Lake

What improvements are coming to Bill Riley Trail?

The trail will be receiving new overlay and paving this fall to summer. There will be other miscellaneous work involved, including pavement markings, traffic control and landscaping, according to documents from the Des Moines City Council's May 6 meeting. The council approved awarding a contract for $887,887.50 to TK Concrete.

The project also includes the replacement of the Ashworth Pool parking lot at the end of the season.

How can I stay in the loop about Des Moines trail closures?

To prepare for closures and stay up to date Des Moines' trails, you can check the city's website, visit Des Moines Parks and Recreation on Facebook or text "dsmtrails" to 84483.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bill Riley Trail at Water Works Park is closing for new pavement