2026 SPECIAL PROJECTS AWARDS

Firm: HDR
Client/Owner: City of Cedar Rapids
Project: Shaver Road NE Reconstruction over McLoud Run

The Shaver Road NE Reconstruction project is a key component of the City of Cedar Rapids Flood Control System (FCS), designed to enhance public safety, support economic continuity, and create lasting community amenities. HDR, working as part of the east side flood control team, partnered closely with the City, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to deliver a comprehensive, certifiable flood risk reduction solution.

A central feature of the project was raising Shaver Road NE approximately 10 feet to carry traffic over the flood control system. This innovative approach eliminated the need for a traditional flood closure structure, reducing cost, operational risk, and flood response time. It also ensures that an important truck route remains open during high-water events, allowing nearby businesses to maintain critical access and operations.

Economic continuity remained a priority throughout design and construction. The project maintained access to businesses, avoided relocations, improved traffic flow, reduced truck-related bottlenecks, and enhanced delivery and customer access. Dedicated trailhead parking also eliminated conflicts between trail users and business patrons.

Beyond flood protection and transportation improvements, the City envisioned Shaver Road NE as a community asset. The project integrates infrastructure with the surrounding natural environment through expanded trail connections, grade-separated crossings, ADA-accessible fishing and pedestrian amenities, trailhead parking, improved trail alignments, and natural vegetative channels that replace traditional concrete drainage channels.

The completed project brings together a levee, floodwall, reconstructed roadway and bridge, pedestrian and trail bridge, redesigned channel, utility improvements, gatewell and outfall structures, ADA-accessible trails and sidewalks, and parking areas. Through extensive coordination and multi-year design and construction staging, the Shaver Road NE Reconstruction project successfully balances flood protection, transportation, economic resilience, and recreation—creating infrastructure that protects Cedar Rapids while enhancing the community it serves.

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