Flood control work continues in downtown Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids continues to make progress on a variety of flood control projects downtown.

Storm sewer work on First Street NE, between A Avenue NE and First Avenue East, will wrap up in July, according to a news release. Lane reductions remain in effect. This project helps consolidate drainage outlets to the Cedar River, will lead downtown stormwater to a future pump station and will help facilitate the construction of the floodgate across First Avenue.

Temporary traffic signals are also being installed at First Avenue and First Street East while curb and trail work is completed.

This work will allow for changing traffic patterns during construction of the First Avenue floodgate. Permanent signals will be installed after the floodgate is completed in 2022.

Construction of the First Avenue floodgate is slated to begin in July or August. It will be a roller floodgate, similar to the one installed last year on 16th Avenue SE.

Traffic changes — including lane reductions and temporary parking removal on First Avenue — won’t happen until after the Freedom Festival in July.

Work is underway on the installation of the Third Avenue floodgate, which features permanent columns with stackable, removable panels to be used during a flood. Third Avenue SE remains closed while work continues. Work is expected to extend into September. There is no flood control work in progress this year on Second Avenue SE.

This fall, demolition will start on the Hydroelectric Facility at the 5-in-1 Dam. The facility has been out of service since it was damaged in the 2008 flood. The dam gate behind it will be upgraded, allowing for construction of a future flood wall between the dam and First Avenue East. Construction will start this fall and wrap up in 2022.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com