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DES MOINES, Iowa – Right as the warm weather arrives and you’re ready to bring out the bike … a trail closure is the last thing you want to see.

We’ve already seen several of those this summer, caused by construction and river flooding in recent weeks.

One trail closure that may especially affect your biking and even your commute — the Bill Riley trail. That trail is expected to be closed in phases beginning in a few weeks and continuing into the fall.

Other closures are also in place across downtown, such as heading into Gray’s Lake from the north and on the north side of the Des Moines River from Scott Street to SE 14th Street. Alternative routes are in place using bike lanes through roads downtown.

Officials with the City of Des Moines understand that the timing is inconvenient. However, they cite funding, pricing of contractors, and the time of year that asphalt can be created. The combination of flooding (for the first time in several years) and construction is also creating less than ideal conditions for cyclists. However, officials insist the wait will be worth it.

Trail improvements will continue through the summer and into the fall. City officials tell us some western trails could see construction last into the spring and summer of 2025.

You can stay up to date with road and trail closures here. You can also text “DSMTRAILS” to 84483 to get updates on closures from Des Moines Parks and Recreation.