It seems that many people have images or videos showing the extensive flooding and damage caused by the recent storms. While this isn't solely a fire service issue, we're always looking for more photos or videos to share with our community. Here are some visuals from Larry Shapiro, capturing a portion of the northwest suburbs, including parts of Prospect Heights, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Palatine.
Ever wondered about those large green gates along Milwaukee Avenue near Palatine Road? They were installed for the first time on Thursday afternoon as a precaution in anticipation of the Des Plaines River reaching its peak in the area.
A section of Willow Road in Prospect Heights is closed to traffic. Larry Shapiro photo
Hillcrest Drive at Willow Road in Prospect Heights. Larry Shapiro photo
Closing the Army Corps of Engineers flood gates on Milwaukee Avenue at Palatine Road. Larry Shapiro photo
The flood relief gates are locked into place across Milwaukee Avenue. Larry Shapiro photo
When the bottom plates on the gates were lowered, they create a seal along the pavement. Larry Shapiro photo
Pump setup to remove water from a housing complex along River Road. Larry Shapiro photo
Stacking jersey barriers to create a barrier along a flooded section of River Road in Mount Prospect. Larry Shapiro photo
The jersey barriers are wrapped with Visqueen and weighted down with sand bags. Larry Shapiro photo
Crews build a temporary levee along River Road in Mount Prospect. Larry Shapiro photo
Apple Drive and Plaza Drive in Prospect Heights. Larry Shapiro photo
Twin Lakes golf course in Palatine along Route 53. Larry Shapiro photo
[Watch video here]
More images showing the jersey barrier levee construction and the flood gate deployment can be viewed [HERE].
**Army Corps of Engineers projects for the Des Plaines River:**
**Phase I**
**Authority:** Water Resources Development Act 1999 (Public Law 106-53)
**Project Description:** The Des Plaines River has a long history of flooding, causing significant economic losses. The most severe flood occurred in September 1986, resulting in $35 million in damages. The project includes six structural elements such as two levees, reservoir expansions, a lateral storage area, and dam modifications. A flood warning system is also part of the plan.
**Costs:**
- Total Project Cost: $103,000,000
- Federal Cost: $67,000,000
- Non-Federal Cost: $36,000,000
**Current Status:** Levee 37 is mostly complete, but the 600′ gap will be closed once the compensatory storage facility at Heritage Park is finished. This is expected around 2013–2014.
**Phase II**
**Authority:** Water Resources Development Act 1999, Section 419
**Project Description:** This study expands the focus to the entire Upper Des Plaines watershed, covering 15 tributaries in Illinois and Wisconsin. It aims to reduce flooding, restore ecosystems, improve water quality, and enhance recreation. Recent floods in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2008 have highlighted the need for these improvements.
**Costs:**
- Total Project Cost: $12,944,000
- Federal Cost: $6,713,000
- Non-Federal Cost: $6,231,000
**Current Status:** An updated document was submitted for review in December 2012 and is expected to be released soon. Please check back for the final feasibility study.
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