City

City installs high water detection system on two hazardous roads

New system designed to provide advance warning to motorists of flooded roadways

July 21, 2023 • 
Robin Schwartzkopf
RICtoday_RainRoadPexels

Cars can be swept away in as little as 18 inches of water.

Photo by Kaique Rocha

Two flood-prone stretches of road in Richmond are now equipped with high water detection systems. The city installed the systems to give motorists advance warning of flooded roadways.

The sensors are located:

  • On Magnolia Street between Rady Street and Magnolia Road in Magnolia Industrial Center
  • On Bainbridge Street between 20th and 21st Streets in Swansboro
RICtoday_WaterDetectionMap

There’s one system in Northside and one south of the river.

Map by RICtoday via Proxi

At each site, a sensor monitors rising water and flooding conditions in the area. If triggered, it activates flashing beacons, message signs, and automatic road barrier gates.

The city says the system is the first of its kind to be used in the region. The goal is to increase public awareness of the dangers of flooding and avoid loss of life and property.