North-South Metro Connector (formerly known as NW 26th St Interchange/ MLK Extension Project)

The North-South Metro Connector is a proposed north/south traffic corridor. Proponents of the project, including some Polk County Supervisors, city officials, and developers, want a four-lane extension of MLK, Jr. Parkway from Euclid Avenue in Des Moines north to Interstate 35/80, and interchange, and a widened NW 26th Street leading to IA 415 in the Ankeny area. To download and view a map of the range of alternatives under consideration for the North-South Metro Connector click here.

About Us:

We are a group of concerned citizens who stand united against the North-South Metro Connector (formerly known as the NW 26th Street Interchange and MLK Extension project).  We believe in the need to protect our neighborhoods and the city of Des Moines from the detrimental impacts of major new road construction, as well as the need to protect recreation areas, flood plains, open spaces, and the species that rely on them.  It is imperative that we protect central Iowa from uncontrolled and undesirable urban sprawl which results in unnecessary expenditure of millions of construction dollars.

Our greenways along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers are precious resources that need to be protected from development.  Read a letter from the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Board about how important these greenways are to the Des Moines Metro Area.