The City of Ames will complete a mill and overlay project on Bloomington Road from George Washington Carver Avenue to 500 feet west of Eisenhower Avenue during the 2026 construction season. The project will improve pavement conditions, update ADA ramps, and replace a section of shared use path. Several short term traffic detours will be required during construction.
Bloomington Road has experienced increasing surface cracking and pavement deterioration. To address these issues, the City will remove approximately two to three inches of the existing asphalt surface and replace it with a new asphalt layer. This approach is significantly more cost effective than a full pavement reconstruction and extends the life of the roadway. Pavement core samples taken along Bloomington Road indicate that the majority of distress is limited to the upper portion of the pavement structure. A mill and overlay will remove the cracked surface layer and restore a smooth and durable driving surface. Some locations, such as the railroad approaches, will require complete pavement replacement due to deeper deterioration.
The project will include upgrades to ADA sidewalk and shared use path ramps at the intersection of Stange Road and Bloomington Road. New crosswalk push buttons will be installed on standalone poles positioned to improve accessibility. Additional pedestrian crossing enhancements at Hyde Avenue will be coordinated with a future traffic signal installation.
The shared use path on the south side of Bloomington Road from Stange Road to the east driveway of Ascension Lutheran Church will be replaced with a new PCC shared use path built in the same location.
Stage 1: Curb & Gutter Work
Spot closures of the outside lanes will occur while sections of curb and gutter are removed and replaced ahead of the mill and overlay work. Estimated duration: one to two weeks.
Stage 2: Full Closure for Mill Overlay & Railroad Reconstruction
Bloomington Road will be fully closed from Stange Road to 500 feet west of Eisenhower Avenue. This closure is necessary to complete full depth pavement replacement at the railroad approaches. Railroad traffic control requirements do not allow shifting traffic around the work zone because both travel directions must be stopped by the gate arms at the crossing. Traffic will be detoured to George Washington Carver Avenue and Hoover Avenue. Estimated duration: two to three weeks. See Stage 2 Detour Map.
Stage 3: Eastbound Lanes Mill and Overlay
Bloomington Road will reopen to through traffic. Eastbound lane work will begin from George Washington Carver Avenue to Stange Road. Traffic will be shifted to one lane in each direction on the westbound lanes. The south half of the Stange Road intersection will be closed, and Stange Road traffic will detour to George Washington Carver Avenue and Hoover Avenue. Estimated duration: one to two weeks. See Stage 3 Detour Map.
Stage 4: Westbound Lanes Mill & Overlay
Bloomington Road will remain open to through traffic. Westbound lane work will begin, with traffic shifted to one lane in each direction on the eastbound lanes. The north half of the Stange Road intersection will be closed, with traffic detouring to Harrison Road and Clinton Avenue. Estimated duration: one to two weeks.
Drivers should expect lane shifts, reduced lane widths, and short term lane closures throughout the project.
Travel times may be longer during peak periods. Access will be maintained to all properties along Bloomington Road, although there may be brief periods when driveways are temporarily blocked while work occurs directly in front of them. Crews will notify residents and businesses ahead of these moments and restore access as quickly as possible. Construction equipment will generate noise, vibration, and dust at times. Work will follow normal daytime construction hours. Sidewalk and shared use path connections will remain open where feasible. When temporary closures are required, signed detours or alternate routes will be provided. Bicyclists will need to follow detour routes.
At the railroad crossing, Union Pacific traffic control requirements will limit options for maintaining through traffic. This will require the short term full closure described in Stage two. Weather conditions, material availability, and coordination with the railroad may affect the schedule. Public updates will be provided if major changes occur.
Extends roadway life and delays costly full reconstruction. Improves pavement smoothness and ride quality. Reduces long term maintenance costs. Upgrades ADA accessibility at key intersections. Replaces aging shared use path facilities. Improves bicycle and pedestrian safety. Coordinates with future planned safety improvements at Hyde Avenue.
If you have any question or concerns please reach out to Dean Sayre with Public Works Department at 515-239-5277, or by email at dean.sayre@cityofames.org.
- Will access to homes and businesses be maintained?
Yes. Access will be maintained except during short periods when operators are working directly in front of driveways. Crews will work with residents and businesses to minimize interruptions.
- Will the detours be signed?
Yes. Detour signs will be clearly posted for each construction stage.
- Why is a full closure required near the railroad?
Union Pacific requires both lanes of traffic to be stopped by the railroad gate arms during construction. This prevents traffic from being shifted to one side of the road, making a full closure the only reasonable option.
- Will sidewalks and paths remain open?
Sidewalks and shared use paths will remain open where possible. Temporary closures will be posted along with detour information.
- What determines how long each stage lasts?
Weather, pavement conditions, and railroad coordination can affect the schedule. The City will provide updates if significant adjustments occur.