Floodgate Traditional Cache

As a result of the devastating 1937 flood in Louisville, plans were drawn up to construct a floodwall to protect the city's flood prone areas.  A second large flood in 1945 was the event  needed to help make this a reality as construction finally began in 1948.  The first section, completed in 1957, extended 17 miles from Beargrass Creek to the Lees Lane area.  A major extension from Lees Lane to Pond Creek was started in 1960 and was finally completed in the late 1980's.  The finished project consisted of 29 miles of floodwall, 16 pumping stations, 45 street gates, and 148 control gates.

You are looking at one the street gate openings.  The gate is actually comprised of several smaller sections that interlock together, into the holes in the road, and the floodgate frame.  The gates are stored in the nearby small brick building.  Fortunately the gates along the floodwall do not have to be installed very often.  The last time I can remember the gates at this location being installed was back during the 1997 flood.