Two significant road construction projects on Bloomington Road and South 16th Street are reshaping Ames traffic this summer.

Replacing Bloomington Road surface

The construction on Bloomington Road involves removing the top two inches of damaged street and replacing it with a new surface. With a cost of around $1.1 million, the project includes a replacement of the shared-use path along the south side of Bloomington Road and east of Stange Road.

The project, which began on June 1, is anticipated to be completed by mid-July.

It also includes repairs to curbs and gutters and upgrades to ramps and crosswalk buttons.

Dean Sayre, civil engineer and public works official, said it hasn’t been easy to maintain some traffic flow.

“The most challenging aspect of construction so far has been completing the first step of the project while maintaining active traffic,” Sayre said. “The setup significantly increased the difficulty of milling and paving operations, as crews were required to coordinate their work while remaining constantly vigilant of both ongoing construction activities and nearby open travel lanes.”

Not only have workers had to remain vigilant, but community members as well. Sayre said access to homes, churches and businesses have all been managed through strategic communication.

In the design phase, staff were in contact with local businesses and community groups to maintain communication and notices on the upcoming construction. At the start of construction the city provided detour routes, and message boards to guide commuters to ensure smoother traffic routes.

The strategy of milling is intended to be repeated every 10 to 15 years to keep the road in good condition and avoid a lengthy reconstruction.

“Once the Bloomington Road construction is complete, drivers will notice a significantly smoother and safer driving surface, free from the previous cracking and rutting issues,” Sayre said.

Expanding South 16th Street

On South 16th Street, construction continues to widen the street to four lanes from University Boulevard to the Veterinary Medicine Trail. The project includes extension of storm sewer infrastructure and adding curbs and gutters.

The improvements are intended to increase capacity on the road, improve traffic and provide a safe and accessible way of travel. The project began in June of 2025, with a two-phase accommodation for the school year and football season. Phase two began in April and is expected to be completed on Aug. 21.

The project is being funded by federal and local funds, with no changes to the project’s budget since its beginning. Hafiz Ibrahim, public works official and project manager, provided information about the project.

“Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible to help minimize traffic through the construction zone,” Ibrahim said. “We appreciate the public’s patience throughout construction. While temporary traffic disruptions are unavoidable, the improvements are designed to provide long-term benefits by improving traffic flow, increasing safety, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle traffic in this growing area of the community.”.

This project is intentionally scheduled around the Iowa State academic calendar and football season to minimize disruptions. By dividing this project up, workers were able to avoid peak traffic periods.

“We also ask motorists to slow down, follow posted traffic control devices, and allow extra travel time when driving through the area,” said Ibrahim.

While the project will improve overall operation on South 16th Street, it is not expected to eliminate the bustle caused by football games and concerts.