Public Works Director Brian Stineman says the muscle wall from Iowa Avenue to Ceder Street will be removed today.
"We feel confident that we can start to take down our flood barriers," Stineman said in a press release sent Thursday, July 18.
Communications Manager Kevin Jenison says once the muscle wall is removed, city crews will hose down Mississippi Drive, which will remain closed. He says the city plans to open floodgate number two at Mad Creek and 2nd Street and remove floodgate number one at the eastern end of Mississippi Drive.
Jenison says the goal is to open Mississippi Drive by Tuesday, weather and cleanup permitting.
Riverside Park will remain closed until the river fully recedes and crews can clean the grassy areas and parking lots.
Current forecasts show the river leaving flood stage on Friday, July 26. The Mississippi River near Muscatine has been above flood stage since June 27.
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