The Indianapolis Department of Public Works conducted a test of the passive floodgate system between Westfield Boulevard and the canal by the Riviera Club [OO18 on map]. This is the section of the White River levee system that crosses the canal with a flood gate and then follows the Westfield side of the canal south.

The test involved filling the system with water from fire hoses to simulate rising flood waters. The passive levee wall should rise to complete the barrier and secure the levee.

According to the press release, "The completion of these activities by USACE are necessary prior to the final submittal of requests to FEMA for flood works accreditation for the Indianapolis North Flood Damage Reduction Project. The USACE has received all necessary approvals to complete the testing."

Westfield was closed near Capitol Avenue during the testing

During normal, non flood conditions, the passive floodwall is down and looks like a sidewalk (see the test director walking on the floodwall below). The temporary plywood barrier (standing upright) was added to allow for the simulation of an actual flood. The tests were delayed until late in the day due to, according to neighbors observing the process, troubles with water delivery from the hydrants.

After the flooding conditions were simulated by filling the temporary channel with water, the floodwall popped up to protect the neighborhood. The aluminum panel wall is buoyant and the rising flood water underneath forces the wall into position for protection.

DPW inspecting the properly raised passive floodwall. The water in the channel would be filled with river water during an actual flood. The plywood barrier to the left would not be present.