New $123 million 8th Avenue Bridge aims to improve Cedar Rapids flood protection

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The city held an open house Wednesday night on plans for a new 8th Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River. The $123 million project is designed to carry cars across the river and serve a role in the city’s flood-control system.

The current bridge has carried traffic over the Cedar River for nearly 90 years. Marc McCoy lives next to the 8th Avenue Bridge and drives across it several times a week but does not walk across it because of safety concerns.

“I don’t feel safe, it’s literally falling apart,” McCoy said.

Rob Davis, the city’s flood control system manager said most bridges don’t last this long and that the bridge is at the end of its useful life.

New design addresses flood control

At the open house, the city showed residents plans for a new bridge designed with flooding in mind.

“We don’t want to replace it the way it is because it really doesn’t serve a flood control component,” Davis said.

He said the new bridge will sit about 15 feet higher so it can clear the city’s flood protection walls. It will also have just one pier in the river, giving floodwater more room to move.

“Every one of these bridge piers causes friction in the water. And when the water slows down, it goes up. So we’re trying to get the water out and not back up,” Davis said.

Davis said that is especially important after Cedar Rapids’ experience with the 2008 flood.

“This can then serve as the emergency detour route if the interstate has to close down,” Davis said.

Project cost and funding

The project is estimated to cost $123 million, about $28 million more than the original $95 million estimate. About half is covered by federal and state funding, with the rest coming from local funds.

For McCoy, the project means years of construction outside his home.

“That construction is going to be basically in our living room,” McCoy said.

Despite those concerns, McCoy said the project is overdue.

“I think they’re doing the right thing,” McCoy said.

Construction timeline

Construction is expected to begin next Spring 2027. The new bridge will be built before the old one is removed. The city says the project is expected to take about three years.