Omaha, Nebraska
The prevention of river overflow is not just a matter of infrastructure but a crucial factor for the well-being of communities built alongside rivers. Omaha’s critical infrastructure along the Missouri River, including Eppley Airfield, utilities, railroads, and a major interstate, is at stake. The safety and integrity of the levee protecting this framework are a local and national concern, requiring federal recertification by the Army Corps of Engineers. As part of this vital recertification process, the inspection and repair or replacement of culverts along the levee’s designated area are a top priority.
Lamp Rynearson engineers are part of the design team for these ongoing inspections and evaluations. Some culverts are several decades old, so our Certified Floodplain Managers had to identify various risk factors and potential failure points. After the 2019 Missouri River flood, Lamp Rynearson professionals inspected 30 culverts using CCTV and on-site walkthroughs. These culverts span 13 miles from North near Omaha Public Power District to South near Mandan Park and follow the Missouri river.
The culverts are made of different materials: some metal, which can deteriorate over time, and others concrete, which can develop pitting or cracks. The detailed designs for culvert repair involve lining the corrugated metal culverts with a durable plastic product called Snaptight. Concrete box culverts will undergo spot repairs within the project boundaries, ensuring the longevity and safety of the levee.