The 2020 Illinois Waterway Consolidated Lock Closure is the largest lock closure project in the history of the Rock Island District. Starting July 1, locks at LaGrange, Peoria, Starved Rock, Marseilles and Dresden Island closed to facilitate needed repairs and maintenance. The closures, which are being conducted simultaneously to limit impacts to navigation, are scheduled to last through late October.

As part of this project, Starved Rock Lock and Dam will experience daytime and full lock closures. During these closures, outdoor viewing of the construction and the dewatered lock will be available at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center.

Visitors should use the new Visitor Center entrance road and are reminded to be cautious as the area is an active construction site. Viewing areas are available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicap accessibility is available on the ground level. Leashed pets, on leashes six feet or less, are welcome. Public areas may be closed at times due to safety concerns. Temporary barricades will be used to protect the public during times of closure.

While the outdoor areas are open, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center along with public restrooms and drinking fountains are still closed at this time due to precautions in place regarding COVID-19.

The map below shows the areas that are open to the public during this time. Click the map to view a larger image.