Cuyahoga River Bank Stabilization

The project involves the assessment and initial design of priority bank stabilization activities along the Cuyahoga River. Bank stabilization activities are being assessed at eight separate locations within Summit and Cuyahoga Counties in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). The eight locations were identified by the National Park Service based on existing bank erosion and the proximity to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The map below illustrates general location of the eight sites being evaluated. Two of the sites are located along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). The remaining six sites are located near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (Towpath) or associated connector trail.

Due to natural processes, the Cuyahoga River has migrated from its historic location over time. This migration has jeopardized the future stability of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at the eight location. Both the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad are important and frequently used park features. Both of the features are located within protected historic districts, and a portion of the Towpath Trail is a National Historic Landmark. Bank stabilization is necessary to protect the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad from the erosive forces of the Cuyahoga River.

The historic aerial images below show the movement or migration of the Cuyahoga River over time near the eight sites being evaluated. Toggle the arrows back and forth to compare the river location in 1951 and 2021.

The maps below show the movement of the Cuyahoga River at different locations over time in proximity to the proposed bank stabilization sites. Slide the arrows from left to right to see the location of the river in 1951 compared to its location in 2021.

The riverbank stabilization design will adhere to CVNP’s mission to preserve unimpaired the scenery, natural and historic features, and wildlife for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. As such, it’s important that the designs are harmonious with park resources, compatible with natural processes of the river, climate adaptable, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective. The solutions developed will be as welcoming as possible to all park users and the many ways in which they interact with the park – from trail walkers, kayakers, birdwatchers, bicyclists, and more.

The National Park Service agency-wide goal is to meet and exceed the requirements of all applicable environmental laws. Therefore, the first step in the project process was obtaining necessary data needed to make engineering decisions relating to the environment. Data collected included the identification of soil type, geology, wetlands, rare plants, historical and cultural features, water levels, and terrestrial and aquatic species. The data was used to identify and explore design alternatives to avoid and minimize effects to cultural and natural resources.

Early in the process the CVNP/NPS performed a Value Analysis workshop which identified opportunities to balance of cost, performance, sustainability, and durability, while also meeting required functions. A range of alternatives were then developed at each site. Alternatives were narrowed down based on the constraints at each site, including shear stress and river flow velocities. In the initial stages, both soft (natural-based) solutions and hard (rock-based) solutions were evaluated. Often, the combination of soft and hard were combined into one alternative which is referred to as bioengineering.

At this time, the designs include regrading the existing steep banks. In addition, natural stone rip rap is a component of the design at all of the sites. The use of natural stone rip rap will be limited to the lower portion of the bank to the extent practical to balance aesthetics with bank protection. The stone protects the portion of the bank where the long-duration, high energy flows are anticipated. Live stakes (branches placed directly into the soil that will root and grow) will be installed between the crevices in the stone. The remaining bank above the rock will be regraded to construct a stable slope. Clean backfill, topsoil, live stakes, and a native seed mix will be placed at the regraded bank. With this method, a portion of the bank will be restored to its natural, vegetated condition. Best Management Practices and soil/sediment erosion control will be incorporated into the design.

The bank stabilization design of the eight sites are unique based on the specific conditions of each site, and additional stabilization measures will be incorporated where site conditions allow. Brush mattresses and natural rootwads are proposed at Towpath Fitzwater and CVSR Mile Post 59.3. These features would provide toe support for the bank, collect sediment and debris that enhance the bank structure over time, and provide fish habitat. Bendway weirs are proposed at CVSR Mile Post 59.3. Bendway weirs are low level, submerged rock structures to reduce erosion on the outside bendway. The weirs will be designed in such a way as to consider the access and safety of the user who access the river. High stream velocities and the urban setting at the Peninsula Connector warrants a more robust bank stabilization measure. Therefore, a soldier pile wall with rock toe protection is proposed at the Peninsula Connector. A soldier pile wall is type of retaining wall composed of H-shaped beams (known as piles) that are vertically driven into the earth. In between each pile, horizontal supports are installed. The existing steep bank above the proposed wall will be regraded; clean backfill and a 6-inch layer of topsoil will be placed to create a stable, gently sloping bank, and will be seeded with a native seed mix. 

The Park is seeking input on the project from the public, agency personnel, and stakeholders which will be evaluated during the detailed design process. 

The project is currently in the initial design stage where park planners, engineers, and scientists are evaluating data and considering design alternatives. Detailed engineering on the preferred design of each site is anticipated to begin before the end of 2021 and continue into 2022. Bank stabilization construction activities at the eight sites are expected to occur sometime between 2022 and 2024. Construction is not expected to occur on all eight sites at the same time, and the order in which construction will occur at the sites has not yet been determined. 

Below is an interactive map with the approximate locations of the individual bank stabilization project sites. To get started, click on a photograph showing existing conditions of each site to zoom the map to the site location and scroll within the map. Project sites are listed north to south.

The comment period has closed (January 10, 2022). Thank you to all who provided comments.