Big changes are coming to University Avenue near Drake University.A six-block stretch of University Avenue between 25th and 31st streets will be torn up to install new sewers.Next, construction to remove overhead power lines and eliminate parking on the street's north side will begin above ground.University Avenue serves as the southern border to Drake University, but campus officials say it's not much to look at.John Smith, vice president of Drake University Advancement, said people at the university are excited about the future."It is the southern border of campus, but it's a busy street," Smith said. "It is one which a number of us traverse every single day, but we recognize the promise of what it could be."The project also calls for new bike lanes, medians and trees along wider sidewalks."With the streetscape project, that can make it more pedestrian-friendly, more bike-friendly, easier to cross, easier to navigate and have reasons to get from one side to the other," Smith said.Construction on the new University Avenue is set to begin in spring 2019.

Big changes are coming to University Avenue near Drake University.

A six-block stretch of University Avenue between 25th and 31st streets will be torn up to install new sewers.


Next, construction to remove overhead power lines and eliminate parking on the street's north side will begin above ground.

University Avenue serves as the southern border to Drake University, but campus officials say it's not much to look at.

John Smith, vice president of Drake University Advancement, said people at the university are excited about the future.

"It is the southern border of campus, but it's a busy street," Smith said. "It is one which a number of us traverse every single day, but we recognize the promise of what it could be."

The project also calls for new bike lanes, medians and trees along wider sidewalks.

"With the streetscape project, that can make it more pedestrian-friendly, more bike-friendly, easier to cross, easier to navigate and have reasons to get from one side to the other," Smith said.

Construction on the new University Avenue is set to begin in spring 2019.