October 27, 2025
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa developed a comprehensive flood control system master plan in conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). CDG, as part of an Indefinite Delivery contract with the Upper Mississippi River Districts, served as the prime consultant for Phase I, Reach I of this multi-million-dollar design project. CDG managed a team that provided engineering and design of floodwalls, levees, and several pump stations. Designs were completed in 2020, and construction is currently underway!
CDG designed floodwalls along both the Cedar River and McLoud Run. This included relocating a 36-inch water main, identifying utility conflicts, and coordination with several adjacent projects. At the concept design level, a Value Engineering Study and resulting report on cost-saving alternatives were also completed. Floodwalls featured aesthetic treatments including a form-liner finish and concrete staining. Floodwalls will be supported by steel H-pile and micropile deep foundations.
A central feature of the project is the Cedar Lake Pump Station, which will manage stormwater runoff when Cedar River levels are high. The pump station will discharge water to a channel that drains to the Cedar River. Equipped with four (4) total pumps, the station is assumed to have a firm capacity of 67,000 gallons per minute (gpm) and a total capacity of 90,000 gpm. The station’s structure will consist of reinforced concrete walls and chambers founded on drilled shaft deep foundations. The pump station will be built into the side of the levee providing unique design and construction challenges.
Additional work included design of a new pump station in Reach 4 and two (2) other pump stations in Reach 2. This work included foundation systems, floodwall connections, and utility upgrades. The project team provided thorough design documentation, plans, cost estimates, and specifications to ensure high-quality results.
