An aerial image of an on road structure.

On-Road Structures Platform

On-Road Structures offer an alternative by using the roadway embankment as a dam, restricting flow into the culvert to provide flood storage during large precipitation events. 

This platform uses advanced hydrologic modeling and GIS-based analysis to quantify the flood reduction benefits of existing on-road structures (ORS) across Iowa and identifies suitable locations for the construction of new ORS. By providing data-driven insights, the platform equips planners and engineers to make informed decisions that promote sustainable water management and strengthen flood resilience while dedicating infrastructure investments for long-term environmental and community benefits.  

For six targeted HUC-12 watersheds within Winneshiek, Benton, Davis, Hancock, Crawford, and O’Brien counties, detailed planning and design models were developed to further identify ORS that provide significant peak flow reduction benefits. Hydrologic design and analysis were automated using Python scripts within ArcGIS, enabling the programmatic design of multiple ORS. 

Research Support

This research is supported by the Iowa Highway Research Board.

Screenshot of on road structure platform.

Partners

  • University of Iowa | IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering 
  • Iowa State University | Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering 
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources 
  • Iowa Department of Transportation 
  • Iowa County Engineers Association  

News and Updates

On-road structure in Otter Creek (Fayette County)

New Tool Supports Local Flood Mitigation Efforts

Tuesday, September 3, 2024
A new tool has identified 250,000 suitable locations for on-road structures, an innovative flood mitigation practice that uses the existing roadway embankment as a temporary dam during heavily rainfall events.
Kate Giannini

Contact Information

For inquiries or feedback, please reach out to: 

Kate Giannini, Program Manager, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering  

Office: 319-335-5233