The Scott Avenue Dam Modifications Project represents a major step toward creating a more connected, accessible, and enjoyable river experience in downtown Des Moines. As the first phase of the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON) master plan, the project was designed to improve public safety, restore river connectivity, enhance fish passage, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation along the Des Moines River.

Since 2016, Merrick has worked alongside ICON and its partners to help turn a regional vision into reality. Building on a Water Trails Feasibility Study completed by Merrick, the team provided program management, engineering, stakeholder coordination, permitting support, cost estimating, public involvement, and construction phase services. The project involved reimagining a 600-foot-wide section of river with new river access features, recreational amenities, fish habitat improvements, and river restoration elements.

Designing the project required balancing a wide range of objectives from public agencies, community stakeholders, recreational users, anglers, and environmental interests. Merrick developed and evaluated hydraulic models, integrated fish passage features, analyzed flood and river conditions, and refined the river geometry through multiple design iterations to maximize both ecological benefits and recreational opportunities. The project also introduced an adjustable WaveShaper™ feature that can help optimize river conditions for recreation across varying flows.

The project’s complexity extended beyond engineering. Located within a leveed flood control system and supported by federal funding, the effort required coordination with numerous local, state, and federal agencies, along with extensive public outreach and permitting. By leading a multidisciplinary team of specialists and maintaining close communication with stakeholders throughout the process, Merrick helped move a challenging river restoration project from concept to construction while laying the foundation for future ICON improvements throughout downtown Des Moines.