2008 Cedar River Trail Cleanup - Sokol/Tait

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The Cedar River Trail suffered several types of flood damage between Sokol Park and Tait Cummins Park in southwest Cedar Rapids. Here are some details, listed generally in order of decreasing severity.

Note: These statements and suggested repairs represent only the statements and thoughts of concerned citizens -- they do not necessarily reflect priorities or plans of the City or of Linn County Trails Association (unless specifically noted as such).

[edit] Washout

By far the most significant damage to the CRT is near the old Rock Island river bridge just south of the old Farmstead plant. The bridge itself over most of the river was destroyed by the flood. The section directly above the trail is intact. However, the rushing water carved out a fairly large hole in the trail and the surrounding area. This will probably require several loads of fill dirt and new asphalt to complete repairs.

TBD: Timeframe for completion of this fix?

[edit] Trail Surface Problems

In several areas of the trail, the asphalt is obviously cracked, implying that the foundation of the trail has shifted. This will need to be addressed on a case by case basis. In other places (especially just west of the Rock Island bridge), the trail is more or less intact, but the "shoulder" on both sides is washed away, leaving the trail more dangerous due to the sharp dropoff at the edges.

TBD: Can the trail be considered safe enough to use with these existing problems?

[edit] Fencing

There is a large amount of fencing down, especially east and south of the Rock Island bridge. It appears that the force of the water and debris lodged in the fence pushed it over.

TBD: Can the fence be repaired?

TBD: How much will repair or replacement of the fence cost?

TBD: When will this work be done?

[edit] Shoreline Issues

In some places along the affected area, you get the idea that the river is closer to the trail than it used to be -- in other words, there has been some erosion of shoreline. If this is not just an illusion, a study should be done to ensure that there is no impending danger of further erosion that may compromise the trail surface or safety near the trail.

[edit] Sand

Not difficult to fix, but important from a safety standpoint, is the fact that a moderate amount of packed-down sand is still present on the trail surface. A pass with a cleaning machine (whatever was used on the Cedar Lake Loop) should remedy this problem).

[edit] Trash

As of 2008-08-01, one of the first things visible heading south from Sokol park is the amount of debris in the trees between the trail and the river. Some of this debris can and I'm sure will be removed quickly -- some (such as dumpsters in the trees) will be harder to remove safely.