Contractors began moving equipment into position this week to begin work on a dredging project that will remove 120,000 cubic yards of gravel from the lower Cedar River.

The King County Flood Control District is funding over $13 million for the overall project and is providing approximately $7.5 million to fund the project’s construction.

The sediment will be removed from a 1.25 mile stretch of the river from its mouth to the Williams Street Bridge. Additionally, unstable banks will be repaired, outfall from storm pipes will be improved, vegetation will be replanted and invasive vegetation adjacent to the levee and floodwall will be removed. The result will be a reduced risk of flooding to private, public and commercial properties.

The contractor is Gary Merlino Construction Company. Dredging activities can start no earlier than June 15 and must end by August 31. The project is anticipated to end the first week of November.

During dredging, the affected portion of the Cedar River will be closed to recreational activities, and the boat ramp will see temporary closures. There will be planting and bank stabilization work in the Cedar River Trail Park, but the city’s Public Works Department anticipates keeping the park open. When closures and detours are needed, information will be posted in advance.