FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM
Inside View of the Flood Control System
T
he Cedar River Flood Control System is arguably one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the city’s history, aimed at preventing another historic disaster like the 2008 flood and eliminating the need to construct temporary barriers in emergency situations similar to the 2016 flood.
LEVEES
Earthen levees approximately 12-16 feet tall on average, often paired with 12’-wide bike and pedestrian paths. Levees can be seen in both NewBo and Czech Village, and are planned for segments in Time Check, Kingston Village, and around Cedar Lake.
FLOODGATES
Floodgates temporarily close off roads and railroads in the event of a flood emergency, blocking off rising river water. They can either roll across the road, or use a system of stackable, removable panels that slide into place. A combination of roller, stackable, and swing floodgates will be used on both the east and west sides of the river.
While the protection itself is critical, it is just as important that the system be compatible with the community and the surrounding neighborhoods. Cedar Rapids leadership is committed to building a system on both sides of the river, integrating community amenities that are meaningful to all Cedar Rapids residents. View a snapshot of the components of the system, and read on to learn more about projects underway or completed in specific neighborhoods.
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PUMP STATIONS
Pump stations are constructed to look like the buildings around them and blend into their surroundings; they help protect the community against both river flooding and rain flooding. Underground pipes are consolidated into fewer pipes that all connect to the pump station, which will begin pumping rain water out of the storm sewer system and back into the river as needed. All of this can be monitored and controlled remotely.
