The Freel Drive Paving project involves paving the remaining gravel-surfaced portion of Freel Drive to SE 5th Street. The current gravel street is unable to withstand the increase in traffic and the weight of the trucks required to operate the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C).The City of Ames has contracted with Con-Struct for the paving of Freel Drive from the existing pavement to and including the intersection of SE 5th St. This project includes constructing a new 8-inch PCC pavement, a percolation storm system with intakes, and a 12-inch tile overflow storm system. A new pressure reducing valve for the water main system will also be installed. Sidewalk will be constructed along the west side of Freel Drive from SE 5th St. to East Lincoln Way. ADA sidewalk ramps at East Lincoln Way and Freel Drive will be updated to current ADA standards. This project will be completed in multiple stages to help maintain access to businesses in the area.
Project Update
(9.14.26)
Full closure of the Freel Drive & SE 5th Street
intersection will begin Monday, September 14th.
Con-Struct will begin operations for the grading
and paving of the intersection. This will include
the construction of an 8-inch section with curb
and gutter, driveway aprons, and grade tie-ins
behind the back of the curb.
Work on the Freel Drive storm system will
continue north of the closure. There will be a
few days when a water shutoff is needed to
remove the old valves from the system. Additional
door-to-door notices will be given for
any future water service disruptions.
Anticipated duration: 3 to 4 weeks for grading and
paving the intersection. This will be followed by
the staged paving of Freel Drive moving north from
SE 5th St.
Action Required by Residents:
· Please plan access to Freel Drive depending on where
the current closure and construction is taking place.
· For garbage collection, please set out as normal.
Please reach out if there are any delays in collection.
Project Schedule
The paving will take place concurrently with the construction of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus. Construction for this project will be staged between the entrances of the R3C to allow the R3C site construction to occur without interruption.
Project Contacts
City of Ames Project Manager is Dean Sayre, he can be reached at 515-239-5277.
City of Ames Inspector: Scott Miller, he can be reached at 515-203-0793.
The City of Ames is entering a new era of waste management with the development of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C). While we are proud of our history with Waste to Energy technology, this method is being phased out due to high operating costs, aging equipment, and regulatory challenges. This transition reflects our growing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and modern resource management.
Project Update
5.18.26
Weather permitting, work will begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. This work will involve installation of utilities to the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C) site. You may notice utility flags as the underground utilities are located prior to construction commencing. Freel Drive will be closed for utility installation. Access to businesses will be one way either from East Lincoln Way or SE 5th Street during installation. No through traffic will be allowed.
Additional Project Information
Project Schedule
Anticipated overall project duration is up to two weeks.
Project Contacts
City of Ames Public Works Department: 515-239-5160