Flood Wall Park

Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives
Published: July 27, 2008

MAP: James River
SNAP IT! Post your photos and see photos from the James River.

Check our photosfor a tour the west portion of the Flood Wall walk

Check our photosfor a tour the east portion of the Flood Wall walk

Check our photosof the area west of the Flood Wall

Richmond Flood Wall: Now officially part of the James River Park System, and known as Floodwall Park. The flood wall parallels the James River, downtown Richmond. Begun in 1988, dedicated in 1994, the flood wall protects low-lying areas. The Flood Wall walk is a 1.5 mile paved trail from 9th street and Semmes Avenue (Manchester Bridge) to I-95. Walking tours along and atop the wall. Call: 646-8911.

One of the best views of the James River and downtown Richmond is atop the Floodwall, the concrete levee built to contain the periodic, but raging floodwaters that once devastated parts of the city.

Starting on the Floodwall Walk off Semmes Avenue. Stand above the Manchester climbing wall and survey the city skyline. Take the easy way to the bottom, a winding, sidewalk path, or the hard way: by climbing down a set of “steps” on the side of the wall. From there, walk under the Manchester Bridge and see an impressive set of arches that hold up the structure. And that path leads right on top of the floodwall. While strolling along the floodwall, watch for the river’s wildlife. Herons fly in, land and strike poses in the river. Ospreys circle above, looking for lunch in the water. Cormorants sweep under the bridge and up the river.

The east portion of the flood wall (east of the Mayo Bridge) is inside the wall along the James River. The views are fantastic and the path is paved and well-kept. This is also part of the historic Slave Trail (see Ancarrow’s Landing).

The $135 million floodwall was built along both the north and south sides of the river, ranging in height from 7 to 30 feet. But only the southern side has a walkway. The sight of the city’s skyline jutting up along the north side of the river is spectacular, as is the view of the wild and fast moving water of the James below.

Abundant wildlife—great blue herons, Canada geese, ducks—can be viewed soaring over the brush-covered islets and rocks in the river bed. You’re also likely to see kayakers braving the white water of the Class IV rapids in the area near the floodwall walk.

What can you do?
• Walking: Great views of the James River and downtown Richmond. The south side of the river and the floodwall walk is very accessible and the walk is flat and paved (with a wheelchair access at one point, and a flight of stairs at another).
• Bird-watching: The river is a natural draw for people and birds alike. Bring your binoculars.
• Rock climbing: Try the railroad-bridge remnant and pilings at the south end of the Manchester Bridge at the Manchester Wall.

James River Park system:
www.richmondgov.com/departments/parks/james.aspx

HISTORY OF FLOODS
The James River floods are etched in the city’s history. Since 1870, business owners and residents on both sides of the James have endured numerous floods. The worst flood came in 1972 on the heels of Hurricane Agnes when waters crested at 36.5 feet, four times the 9-foot flood stage at the city locks.

Eight floods since 1969 have caused approximately $185 million in damage. The Agnes flood caused more than $37 million in damage to downtown. The 1985 flood caused close to $63 million in damage.

The floodwall had been in the planning for 22 years began construction in 1988. It extends about a mile from 12th and Byrd streets to 21st and Cary Streets on the north side of the James. It runs from the Manchester Bridge to Goodes Street (about 2.5 miles) on the south side. The federal government funded 75 percent of the floodwall through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.