16th Avenue SE Floodgate Completed

Construction and installation of the 16th Avenue SE floodgate is substantially completed, and the bridge will reopen to traffic on Wednesday, November 18. Remaining work is minimal and includes seeding and aesthetic panels. Later this week, travel lanes will be restored on the 12th Avenue Bridge, which served as a temporary bike/pedestrian detour while the floodgate was underway.

The project, which started in April, is the first floodgate to be installed as part of the City’s permanent flood control system. During flood emergencies, the floodgate will roll across the road, close, and lock into place in only 45 minutes, protecting the community and neighborhood from flooding. The gate is approximately 14 feet high and 67 feet long, weighing about 61,200 pounds. A similar gate is planned for the west side of the bridge.

Starting spring 2021, work will be underway to reinstate Masaryk Park memorial markers that were temporarily moved during NewBo levee construction. Restoration work will take place on the north side of 16th Ave SE, between the floodgate and the Cedar River, and will include historic markers, flag poles, and bike racks and plantings.

A second floodgate is also currently under construction at 3rd Avenue SE. While the 16th Avenue SE floodgate is a “roller” gate, the 3rd Avenue floodgate will feature stackable, removable panels that slide into permanent columns on the sidewalk during flood threats. The 3rd Avenue floodgate will be deployed for a 22’ river elevation, and is designed to protect to the 2008 flood volume. Construction will consist of the installation of the foundation and vertical columns that will hold the removable panels. The project is scheduled for completion summer 2021.

The City’s permanent flood control system will feature a combination of floodwalls, levees, gates, removable walls, pump stations and detention basins, as well as community amenities on both the west and east sides of the river.

Other flood control projects underway this year:

• Lot 44 Levee in NewBo: The levee will stretch from approximately 9th Avenue SE to 12th Avenue SE. Parking restrictions will be in place during and after construction. The levee is scheduled for completion spring 2021.
• Amphitheatre Floodwall: The facility includes a built-in floodwall to the 2008 flood volume, and includes a public restroom and storage for events. The facility is scheduled for completion spring 2021. 
• Quaker Oats Floodwall: Construction of the 2,000 foot floodwall and pump station will be completed spring 2021, with the final phase completing the railroad closure gate at the Cedar River in fall 2021.

Permanent flood control projects completed to date include:

• 2020 16th Avenue SE floodgate
• 2019 Czech Village Levee
• 2018 Sinclair Levee
• 2018 Lot 44 Pump Station
• 2018 Northwest Gateway & Memorial Plaza
• 2017 Sinclair Detention Basin
• 2017 Sinclair Pump Station
• 2017 CRST Riverwalk
• 2016 CRST Floodwall
• 2013 McGrath Amphitheatre Levee

To learn more about the City’s permanent flood control system, please visit www.cityofcr.com/floodcontrol.