As summer winds down and a new school year gets underway, our community has reached another milestone in the ongoing recovery from the 2024 flood: Northshore Drive is now open to through traffic following its permanent reconstruction. Having the road open in time for the start of school was an important goal.

First and foremost, I want to thank the residents along Northshore Drive who have endured a long stretch of construction and disruption outside their homes as this area has moved through the recovery process. I also appreciate everyone who adjusted their daily routes while the road was closed, along with the many people and partners who helped keep the project moving forward. That includes our general contractor, Reede Construction, as well as MidAmerican Energy, which worked on an accelerated timeline to relocate gas lines and help keep the project on schedule for the start of school.

While reopening the road is a major step forward, the project is not quite finished. Crews will continue working over the next month, including on residential driveways, road striping and signage, and the pedestrian path. With school traffic now back in the area, please continue to slow down, use caution and give crews the space they need to safely finish their work. When complete, Northshore Drive will be wider, with about 10 times the previous storm sewer capacity, along with other infrastructure improvements that will better serve the area moving forward.

Progress continues on other flood recovery projects, including Phase 2 of the grading and stabilization work on City-owned properties. The newly established TIF #6 will also help make flood recovery assistance available to eligible property owners in the impacted area. Looking longer term, the City is supporting recovery and resiliency efforts, including the Lower Big Sioux River Flood Risk Management Study led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As these major flood recovery projects move closer to completion, another significant infrastructure project in the area is set to move forward: the Northshore Bypass. Bidding for that project is expected later this year, with construction anticipated in 2027 and 2028. The bypass will improve traffic flow through the area while also bringing important utility infrastructure needed for the future.

There is still work ahead, but reopening Northshore Drive is an important milestone worth recognizing. As students return to their classrooms and we turn the page on another summer, it is encouraging to see another piece of our community’s recovery taking shape.

Warmly, Mayor Chris Bogenrief