The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced the closure of the Illinois River due to flooding. Conservation Police are reporting flooding, dangerous currents and floating debris has created hazardous conditions on the Illinois River.  River closures prohibit recreational river traffic. Public awareness of the area, and what is ahead, is imperative to personal safety.

“With river levels rising and additional rain in the forecast, conditions are not favorable for boating on the Illinois River,” said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. “These conditions are treacherous for not only boaters, but our emergency response personnel who are called upon to respond to and rescue those involved in water mishaps.”

The ordered closure will begin at the IL-17 bridge in Lacon (Marshall County/mile marker 185) and continue to confluence in Grafton. The following counties are impacted by the closure of the Illinois River: Marshall, Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Fulton, Mason, Schuyler, Cass, Brown, Morgan, Scott, Pike, Calhoun, Greene and Jersey counties.