During the activation of the Birds Point - New Madrid Floodway, three artificial crevasses in the levee were opened to allow floodwater to flow through the Floodway, reducing water elevations and pressure on the flood control system. This project repairs the levee at the three crevasse locations to provide interim protection to a flood elevation of 51 feet on the gage at Cairo, Ill. (39 feet on the gage at New Madrid).

The upper crevasse is located at Birds Point, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Repairs are required for 9,000 feet of levee at this location. Work here includes filling five scour holes back to level grade, repairing four levee segments and constructing one segment realignment.

The center crevasse is located near Seven Island Conservation Area. Repairs are required for 800 feet of levee at this location. A scour hole developed here, connecting with the existing 1937 scour hole. The scope of work and construction schedule will be determined following completion of an environmental assessment in mid-September.

The lower crevasse is located near Donaldson Point Conservation Area. Repairs are required for 4,700 feet of levee at this location. Work here includes removing excess water at the foundation, and repairing the levee to the interim grade.