UI flood update for July 3, 2014

 

BY: STEPHEN PRADARELLI | 2014.07.03 | 01:08 PM

University of Iowa officials say all campus flood prevention measures will be in place by the end of today and that they will continue to monitor the weather and Iowa River throughout the holiday weekend.

As a safety precaution, people are strongly encouraged to avoid construction areas, flood barriers, and walkways near the Iowa River because of the unpredictability of the rising water. Tampering with flood barriers is prohibited, constitutes trespassing and may compromise their effectiveness.

Here is the latest official information about flood preparation efforts at the University of Iowa. New or updated information is in bold.

University operations

Normal, including University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (all locations), all classes, camps, and other campus activities

Closures and service changes

Beckwith Boat House and Mayflower Residence Hall closed

East and west sidewalks along Iowa River closed

All southbound and northbound lanes of North Dubuque Street closed from Foster Road to Park Road

CAMBUS service to Mayflower suspended

Art Building West closed

The southbound lane of Riverside Drive, closed for installation of a flood wall at Art Building West, has reopened, allowing two-way traffic to resume.

Lot 42 adjacent closed at Art Building West. Alternate parking in Hancher lot; College of Public Health access via Ferson Avenue. All other lots and parking facilities operating normally.

Iowa Memorial Union footbridge closed (alternative route: cross river via Burlington Avenue, Iowa Avenue, or Park Road bridges)

Iowa Memorial Union south metered lot closed

Hancher footbridge closed (alternative route: cross river via Burlington Avenue, Iowa Avenue, or Park Road bridges)

UI Motor Pool daily rental vehicle operation has moved into the CAMBUS maintenance facility on Madison Street. The Fleet Services administrative offices are moving into the lower level of the Iowa Memorial Union parking ramp.

Protective measures

12-foot HESCO barrier at Mayflower Residence Hall (completed)

4-foot HESCO barriers along east and west banks of Iowa River(completed by end of day Thursday, July 3)

Clearing construction materials and leveling ground for placement of HESCOs on east side near IMU and Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratory (completed by end of day Thursday, July 3)

Sandbagging/HESCO placement at Water Plant intake and around Power Plant to south (completed)

Close bulkheads in underground steam system tunnels (completed)

Plugging/pumping storm sewers (as needed)

Class, camp and event cancelations

None

Other information

Visitors to campus should avoid the I-80/Dubuque Street exit (Exit 244). Those traveling from the west on I-80 are encouraged to take the Dodge Street Exit (Exit 246). Those traveling from the east on I-80, as well as those trying to reach UI Hospitals and Clinics and athletics facilities, are encouraged to take the 1st Avenue Exit (Exit 242). Local traffic should also avoid North Dubuque Street until further notice.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has closed Highway 22 between Kalona and Wellman because of flooding of the English River. View Iowa DOT Traveler Information at http://www.511ia.org/ and follow travel announcements for the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area on Twitter at https://twitter.com/iowacity511

The UI will provide this flood update around 1 p.m. daily, seven days a week, until further notice. For previous updates and other UI flood-related information, visit http://now.uiowa.edu/flood2014 and follow Twitter (@uiowa, #UIFloodUpdate14).

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