PEORIA LOCK AND DAM CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
PURPOSE
This project provided critical repairs and updates to the federal lock and dam in Peoria, IL, modernizing infrastructure that supports over 12 million tons of annual river commerce. Richard, as part of their mentor-protégé JV, Sawtooth, replaced and upgraded aging infrastructure including roadways, parking lots, security fencing and gates, and two boat ramps on the Peoria Lock and Dam property.
These improvements enhanced safety and security for both facility operators and waterway users. The upgrades not only enable maintenance crews to better operate the facility, but also ensure reliable passage for the thousands of commercial and recreational vessels that navigate this vital section of the Illinois River annually, while providing safer access for local traffic and emergency responders.
Project Challenges
The renovation required dynamic planning and execution to combat weather conditions, unknown underground utilities, and shifting grades from seasonal flooding, all while maintaining 24/7 waterway operations for commercial and recreational vessels. Richard, as part of Sawtooth, and the Army Corps of Engineers held daily coordination meetings to keep the lock and dam operational while advancing construction. The installation of boat ramps demanded precise timing around adjacent roadway work and river elevations to ensure quality installation without compromising newly placed roadways, requiring careful coordination around river traffic and seasonal conditions.
Project outcome
Richard, as part of Sawtooth, delivered the renovation on time, within budget, and with zero safety incidents.
The project enhanced site security with 1,200 linear feet of barbed wire fencing and three new secure access points. We installed 2,534 yards of new concrete roadways and parking lots, creating smooth access to the main office, maintenance facilities, and control offices. Two new boat ramps improved the deployment of maintenance vessels and equipment, enhancing navigation reliability for the thousands of vessels that pass through annually.
The site now stands resilient against frequent flooding conditions, demonstrating both engineering excellence and practical functionality while strengthening community infrastructure with improved access and flood resilience. Through meticulous execution and reliability, we strengthened our partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers while delivering infrastructure that serves multiple critical purposes: providing lock and dam crews with enhanced reliability and security, ensuring smooth operation of this vital waterway, and ultimately creating safer passage for thousands of commercial and recreational vessels that rely on this section of the Illinois River.
Project Stats
Location: Peoria, IL
Owner: USACE
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
Project Type: Renovation
Project Duration: 10/2023 - 11/2024
