Sandbagging begins Thursday on the Peoria riverfront as the Illinois River pushes past flood stage.
City of Peoria crews will work to protect the River Station building first. Staging will happen in a parking lot north of Martini’s. That area, as well as the road that connects to Liberty Street and the riverfront walk, will close temporarily.
Sections of Water Street and some parking lots between Hamilton and Harrison Streets will also close.
City manager Patrick Urich says the proactive approach reduces cleanup and labor costs.
The Illinois River at Peoria is forecasted to crest near 27-point-five feet Sunday. Flood stage is 18 feet. City officials say moderate riverfront flooding begins at 22 feet.
Sandbagging efforts are expected to continue through the weekend.
