Implementing Measures to Counter Flooding in Charleston

Implementing Measures to Counter Flooding in Charleston

Charleston is on the verge of installing new safety measures to address flooding consequences downtown. This move is expected to provide significant relief for local residents, businesses and tourists.

A Much-Awaited Plan

Driven by the imperative need to reduce the flooding disturbance in downtown Charleston, city officials have convened to take decisive measures. Leaders initiated a project several years ago which is now nearing fruition. “Every time we are hit by heavy rain, we’re compelled to move our cars to prevent them from drowning. There was an instance a few months ago, and my car got completely wrecked in my own driveway due to flooding,” lamented Charleston homeowner Olivia Thomas.

The Irvin Flood Detection Program

The city’s proactive initiative is known as the Irvin Flood Detection Program, a multi-phase project which is poised to introduce low-visibility sensors, warning flashlights and digital signages to the downtown’s most flood-prone areas. These installations will serve as proactive deterrants, dissuading people from attempting to drive through extensive standing water.

In a detailed explanation, Ben Almquist, City of Charleston’s Emergency Management Director, elucidated how the sensors are designed to measure the volume of water on the road. Automated alerts are then dispatched, prompting the display signage to instruct people to take alternative routes. At the same time, notifications are sent to several city departments, facilitating them to take additional actions in specific regions.

Strategic Integration

While the design of the new signage is yet to be finalized, the foundational principle behind its development is to ensure that it seamlessly merges with the surroundings. Almquist stated that the digital signage could be effortlessly attached to existing road signs, while some standalone signs would be relatively less conspicuous. He further added that the plan isn’t exclusively devised for high flood events such as during hurricane season, but is expected to ease the usual after-effects as well.

One of the primary objectives is to gradually render these installations redundant, thus alleviating some of the pressure and additional work demands on the first responders. “Through these warnings of temporarily closing off streets, we hope to prevent people from getting stranded in floodwater. The reduced frequency of these occurrences will significantly alleviate the pressure on firefighters and police officers, who routinely have to evacuate people from such situations,” explained Almquist.

Initial Roadblocks and Future Goals

Originally discussed in 2018, the plan has faced its fair share of obstacles, including limited funding from FEMA and several alterations in project infrastructure. However, Almquist reassured that with prompt FEMA approval, the construction process can be initiated swiftly.

They will begin by focusing on four crucial intersections and roads, which include King Street and Huger Street, Saint Andrews Boulevard Ramp, Calhoun Street and Morrison Drive. Pending the FEMA approval process, each subsequent phase will include four new streets, allowing gradual but comprehensive coverage of the downtown area.

Source: HERE News Network