02/07/2026
Nicholson: modernization of a pumping station in Louisville
Located along the Ohio River in Louisville, KY, the Paddy’s Run Flood Pump Station plays a vital role in protecting the city from flooding. After more than 70 years of service, the existing facility is being replaced to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
A critical system for flood management
Positioned on the land side of the levee that runs along the Ohio River, the Paddy’s Run Flood Pump Station handles water from a creek as well as urban runoff from the city of Louisville.
Under normal conditions, this water flows naturally toward the river via an existing outfall pipe through the levee. However, during flood events on the Ohio River, a gate closes to prevent backwater. At that point, the flood pump station becomes essential, pumping water over the levee to prevent flooding in the city.
A full replacement project
The project involves the complete replacement of the existing pump station with a new, more efficient facility designed to meet current standards for resilience and hydraulic safety.
As part of this effort, Nicholson was contracted to design and install a support of excavation system to enable safe construction of the new underground structures.
A technical solution tailored to site constraints
The work relies on the construction of a diaphragm wall anchored into bedrock, ensuring excavation stability and structural support. This system is complemented by internal bracing to control loads during excavation.
The scope included:
- design-build execution of a diaphragm wall system,
- implementation of a support of excavation solution adapted to site conditions,
- mass excavation with internal bracing.
Supporting urban resilience
This project is part of a broader effort to ensure critical infrastructure remains available to strengthen Louisville’s resilience to flooding risks. It also demonstrates the teams’ ability to deliver complex engineering solutions in challenging environments.
