Downtown & Kingston Village

The downtown and surrounding area will be a hub of activity this construction season. Projects over the next two years include floodgates across 1st Avenue SE and 2nd Avenue SE, as well as numerous storm sewer improvements in both the downtown and Kingston Village that will make our underground network more resilient to floods. Wrapping up this year includes the McGrath Amphitheatre floodwall — a new facility that also doubles as a public restroom — as well as the Quaker Oats floodwall, which started in 2018 and protects one of the nation’s leading agricultural producers. Design efforts also continue on raising and elevating the 8th Avenue Bridge — a signature project that will also include public gathering spaces and redevelopment.

Conceptual and preliminary design is currently underway on all westside flood control components, including floodwalls, levees, pump stations, floodgates, and detention ponds. Both 2nd and 3rd Avenue SW floodgates are included in these plans, which will be either removable or permanent.

Completion This Year

Quaker Oats Flood Wall // 2021

• Protects one of the nation’s leading agricultural producers

• 2,100 linear feet of permanent flood wall, two pump stations, railroad closure floodgate

Amphitheatre Floodwall // 2021

• Floodwall built into the side of a new facility that also doubles as a public restroom and storage for events

• It will tie into a levee and removable floodwall that will stretch from the Amphitheatre to 7th Avenue SW, coming 2023-2024

Upcoming Floodgates

Starting this year, the floodgate at 1st Avenue is designed to roll across the roadway during flood threats.

1st Avenue SE Floodgate // June 2021 –2022

• Roller gate similar to 16th Avenue SE  Preliminary work to begin June; traffic impacts will not occur until later this summer

• 1st Avenue to remain open during construction, lane reductions in effect

• Temporary parking removal on 1st Avenue during construction

E and F Avenue NE Floodgates under 5-in-1 Dam // 2022 –2023

• Located underneath I-380

• Roller gates similar to 16th Avenue SE

• Signal removals at E and F Avenue: precursor work to gate installation (2021)

• Hydroelectric plant will be demolished (Fall 2021/ Winter 2022) prior to floodgate construction

• Closures of E & F Avenue will be required during construction (timing and phasing TBD)

2nd Avenue Floodgate // 2022

• Stackable / removable gate similar to 3rd Avenue SE floodgate

• Includes a speed table at the trail crossing

• 2nd Avenue will be closed during construction

3rd Avenue SE Floodgate // Opening June 2021

• Stackable / removable floodgate

• Deployed for a 22-foot river elevation

Underground Storm Sewer

1st Street Storm Sewer (between A Avenue NE - 1st Avenue) // April 2021 – June 2021

• Consolidates drainage outfalls to the Cedar River

• Directs downtown storm water to a future pump station at Tree of Five Seasons Park

• Lane reductions in effect during construction

1st Street SE Storm Sewer (3rd Avenue – 5th Avenue) // Late 2021 – 2022

• Connects two future pump stations

• Reduces number of river outlets

• Eliminates need for pump station at 4th Avenue

• Partial and full closures expected

Kingston Village Storm Sewer Consolidation // 2022

• Reduces number of river outlets

• Consolidate and relocate storm sewer on 1st Street SW at 8th Avenue SW

• The new lines will be redirected to a future pump station at the north side of 8th Avenue

Unique Features

Tree of Five Seasons Park // 2022 –2023

• Sculpture elevated and realigned to accommodate levee

• Permanent full height floodwall with elevated park to allow views of the river

• New bike trail connecting the west side with downtown

• 1st Street will be reduced to one lane during construction

• New landscaping and tree plantings (future project)

Flood Control at City Hall will incorporate views of the river and a trail connection.

City Hall Flood Control // 2021 – 2024

• Trail connection established

• Curb and ADA improvements on 1st Street SE

• Temporary traffic signals in place during construction

4th Avenue Riverfront // 2023-2024

• Between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue SE

• Considerations include parking, preserving view of the river, trail enhancements, public access, etc.

• Permanent and combination floodwalls incorporated

Raising and elevating the 8th Avenue Bridge ensures access remains open across the river during flood emergencies.

8th Avenue Bridge & Riverfront Improvements // 2023+

• Elevated 15 feet, bridge to remain open during floods

• Fewer piers in river

• Incorporates floodwall, pump station, and streetscaping/lighting

• Incorporates indoor/outdoor public gathering spaces

• Complements McGrath Amphitheatre

• Trail component