Inside View of the Flood Control System

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

Detention Basins

Detention basins hold excess rain water until it can be safely pumped back into the Cedar River. They provide a “bowl” during heavy rain events, reducing stormwater runoff and neighborhood flash flooding. A detention basin has already been completed in NewBo, with more planned for the Czech Village and Northwest/Time Check neighborhoods.

Underground Storm Gates

New underground gates will be able to swiftly and securely close off the river, protecting homes and businesses from flooding from underground river water. Because of recently installed storm gates, the City no longer has to set out plugs, pumps, or concrete cones in the NewBo District, or devote staff to monitoring these temporary measures during flood threats. Underground storm gates will be constructed in Czech Village this year.

Bridge Replacement & Elevations

The system includes replacing and elevating two bridges: the 8th Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River, and the Shaver Road bridge over McLoud Run. Two bridges have already been raised in previous years over Prairie Creek: Edgewood Rd SW and 6th Street SW.

Community Amenities

Memorials, benches, trails, recreational greenways, historic plaques, public restrooms…these are just a few of the community amenities that are being intentionally interwoven within the Flood Control System, making it an amenity for the entire community, not just riverfront properties.