Cedar Rapids Unveils $123 Million 8th Avenue Bridge Project to Enhance Flood Protection and Traffic Flow
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, held an open house to present plans for a new $123 million 8th Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River. This project is designed to replace the current nearly 90-year-old bridge, which is nearing the end of its useful life and does not contribute to the city's flood control system. The new bridge will be constructed approximately 15 feet higher than the existing structure to clear flood protection walls and will feature only one pier in the river, a significant reduction from the current design. This single-pier design aims to improve water flow during flood events by reducing friction and preventing water from backing up. The project's total cost is estimated at $123 million, an increase from the initial $95 million estimate, with funding sourced from federal, state, and local contributions. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2027 and is expected to take about three years to complete. The new bridge will be built before the old one is removed to maintain traffic f... 
