Could Des Moines' skywalks be easier to navigate? City hires company for mapping makeover
Navigating Des Moines' skywalks could get easier.
The city's skywalk system is poised to get a "wayfinding" makeover, complete with digital information kiosks with possible audio and video capabilities, mobile app developments, and electrical service improvements, according to a council communications memo.
The city is hiring RDG Planning and Design to help make the estimated $146,000 improvements.
As part of the remodel, the contractor will examine the skywalk's existing directory kiosks, directional signs and Americans with Disability Act plaques to decide how they can be updated, according to the memo.
More: Des Moines City Council updates attendance policy, moves forward on Nationwide building
The design phase of the project could be done in mid-2024 with construction shortly after.
Portions of the skywalk in downtown Des Moines began closing overnight last week in an attempt to improve cleanliness and safety.
Seven doors will lock from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. as a trial run to see if conditions in the skywalk improve, Chad Bentzinger, skywalk association president, told the Des Moines Register. The overnight closures are a temporary solution which he estimated will last for one to two years.
More: Parts of the Des Moines skywalk are smelly and leaky while others are pristine. Why?
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Downtown Des Moines skywalks to get map makeover for easier navigation
