The City of Peoria Public Works Department is preparing a 2000 foot temporary flood wall along the river’s edge. The Rapid Installation Barrier System is a four foot wall that will cover roughly from the Riverfront Market area down to the Gateway Building.
Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich says Public Works crews are working solely on the flood wall right now. “The main thrust of what we are trying to do is to ensure we can keep all the businesses and activities that are going on right now in the community and will be going on over the weekend operational and active.”
Urich say Public Works will return to storm clean-up after the flood wall and accompanying sandbags are set.
The Illinois River in downtown Peoria breeches it’s retaining wall at 24 feet. The Illinois River is currently expected to crest at more than 25 feet.