By Emma Nelson
Inver Grove Heights is in a season of change. The City Council and public works departments are moving forward on several large-scale infrastructure and zoning policies that aim to reshape how residents travel, access services, and engage with development. From resurfaced roads to heated debates over data center permits, here’s a roundup of updates that affect IGH neighborhoods.
Road, Trail, and Water System Projects
70th Street (County Road 26) Reconstruction
The City and Dakota County are planning to reconstruct 70th Street East from Allen Bay to Highway 52. That work includes reducing the roadway from five to three lanes from Highway 52 to Cahill Avenue to enhance safety. New roundabouts will go in at Angus Avenue and Babcock Trail, accompanied by storm sewer work and new trails. Construction is set for 2027.
Why it matters: fewer lanes usually mean lower crash rates, especially with safer intersections and better trail access for biking and walking.
Current status: Design and public engagement are underway, with an open house held in fall 2024.
Babcock Trail and Highway 52 Bridge Work
Along County Road 73 (Babcock Trail), the city is finishing up a trail on the east side between Upper 55th Street and I-494, plus curb, gutter, new storm sewers, and partial pavement work. The construction wrapped up in September 2026 with signage and restriping nearing completion.
Meanwhile, the Highway 52 bridges over I-494 were redecked, repainted, and reinforced during 2025. These repairs extend bridge lifespan and improve driving conditions.
Water System Upgrades and Capital Improvement Plan
The city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) sets aside millions for improvements to water treatment, meter infrastructure, well pumps, and refurbishing the water tower and booster stations. Pavement repairs and street patching tied to utility upgrades are also slated across neighborhoods. Residents in the Barbara Avenue and 46th Street area are just now being surveyed for the specific make-up of those local improvements.
Data Center Moratorium: Rules and Pushback
Data center development has become a flashpoint in city government lately:
- In response to concerns voiced by residents, the City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers. This includes a pending proposal at 5842 Carmen Avenue East.
Legal challenge: the developer has threatened litigation, citing that the moratorium was drafted after their application was submitted. The claimed damages are up to $150 million. - In their August 2026 meeting, the council held a second reading of an ordinance to potentially allow the application to move forward despite the moratorium. Public comments have been solicited and further readings are expected.
The application for a 54,070-square-foot data center still awaits final action.
What IGH Residents Should Watch
With infrastructure projects spread across systems and neighborhoods, here’s how people can stay engaged:
- Expect road disruptions. Construction will likely delay commutes near 70th Street, Babcock Trail, and Highway 52. Keep an eye on city alerts and road closure notices.
- Speak up during planning stages. Projects like the Barbara Avenue/46th Street improvements are still gathering public feedback. Survey participation helps ensure your priorities are considered.
- Follow council meetings closely. The data center moratorium and related ordinances are evolving, and decisions—especially those involving development and zoning—often hinge on public testimony.
IGH is balancing growth, safety, and quality of life. The decisions made now—about roads, trails, water systems and zoning—will shape how residents live in the city in the years ahead.