Press release
Des Moines, Iowa — Friday, August 26, 2022 — This summer, the rumble of heavy machinery is constant along the Raccoon River in downtown Des Moines.
Crews are working to build the levee system along the Raccoon River to a level that will reduce flood risk and increase resiliency as weather patterns and flood conditions become more unpredictable.
“This project will have a massive impact on our downtown’s ability to handle flood events,” said Des Moines Clean Water Program Administrator Patrick Beane. “The work being done now goes above and beyond the standards that have been put in place so that we have improved protection even as flood mitigation standards rise in the future.”
Crews are currently working on Phase B of the Phase 8 Levee Modification Program, which is not expected to be completed until 2028.
The current phase of work resulting in the closure of the Meredith Trail includes the lifting of the earthen slab, installation of embankment protection and slab stability mitigation measures between the confluence of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River upstream of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
Work began at the junction near SW 7th The route includes segments on both the north and south sides of the Raccoon River. This portion is expected to be completed by October 2022, while subsequent segments west of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway has an expected completion in October 2023.
CONTACT
Al Setka
Chief of Communications, Office of the City Manager
(515) 283-4057
[email protected]
About the city of Des Moines
The city of Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and offers its residents vibrant neighborhoods, a vibrant and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.
Des Moines continually improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by providing outstanding city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an inclusive and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.
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