Starting in Spring of 2026, 74th St. is intended to be reconstructed in 3 sequential stages. Reconstruction will include replacement of storm sewer, sidewalk, sanitary sewer patching, replacement of any deficient sanitary sewer lateral connections, utility relocations and road resurfacing. During each stage of construction, residents will not have vehicle access to their driveway and will need to park on adjoining streets or on another stage of 74th St. Each stage is anticipated to take approximately 3 months for substantial completion. Weather delays and unforeseen underground conditions may extend this timeline.
Access & Parking
When a stage is under construction, the contractor will need all the space in the stage. During construction, portions of the street within the construction limits will be closed to vehicular traffic. Properties that have driveways on the closed street portions will not have vehicle access during construction. Residents at these locations will need to utilize nearby, permitted vehicle parking on adjacent streets or nearby streets. Additional parking areas will be signed along College Drive during construction of Stage 1.
Temporary walkways will be constructed for resident access, if residents have special access needs please contact city administrator Adam Plagge at 515-343-7424, aplagge@windsorheights.org and additional accommodations can be discussed.
Mail Service
A community mailbox will be established for residents located in stages actively under construction. Mailboxes will be removed and reinstalled by the contractor as part of the contract.
Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste
Place garbage, recycling, and yard waste will continue as normal. The contractor will move bins to the collection spot and return them to your property.
Work Area
Work will with some exceptions is confined to the Right Of Way. That is the area generally observable between electric poles, sidewalk and water hydrants. If you have personal property such as landscaping in the ROW, it should be removed prior to project initiation.
It is very common on these types of projects that area residents (especially children) become quite curious about the work the Contractor is performing. We ask that you please be respectful of and stay well clear of construction zones. Many hazards and dangers exist from heavy machinery, trenches, loose material, confined spaces, hot asphalt, etc. and often are not recognizable by the public. The Contractor has responsibility to ensure safety on the project and within the construction area. Any direction from the Contractor regarding safety must be heeded; likewise, if you observe an unsafe condition, please report it to the inspector immediately.
Turf Restoration
Sod will be installed after all work is completed when the weather allows. The sod will be maintained by the contractor until acceptance. “Maintain” as defined in the contract includes weed control and watering.
After that period, it becomes the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the new turf as part of their lawn – providing water, mowing and other necessary care. Notice will be given. Mowing too soon or too short can damage or even kill new turf. Set the mower at its highest level; never cut the new turf shorter than 3”.
Communications
The construction process can test one’s patience. However, when construction is complete, the upgraded roadway, sidewalk, storm water and water system will serve the neighborhood for years to come. While the negatives of construction are in many ways unavoidable, the city aims to reduce the burden through working with the City’s contractor to minimize disruption for residents. Door hangers will be utilized as a means of communication along with the project website, please pay attention to those notices.
Water Service
Water service disruptions for residents are typically minimal with several short periods of downtime during replacement of water service connections and during changeovers to the new water mains. If you experience problems, have any questions, or concerns specific to your water, please contact the DMWW Project Manager, Carla Schumacher, at 515-323-6227 (office) or cschumacher@dmww.com.