PEORIA LOCK AND DAM CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
LOCATION: PEORIA, ILLINIOS
SEGMENT: Roadway, Sitework, Government
PURPOSE:
Modernized critical infrastructure supporting 12+ million tons of annual river commerce
Enhanced safety and security for both facility operators and waterway users
This project provided critical repairs and updates to the federal lock and dam in Peoria IL, improving efficiency, safety, and security. Richard, as part of their mentor-protégé JV, Sawtooth, replaced and upgraded aging infrastructure including roadways, parking lots, security fencing/gates and two boat ramps on the Peoria Lock and Dam property.
These improvements 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.
CHALLENGE:
Maintained 24/7 waterway operations for commercial and recreational vessels
Coordinated construction around river traffic and seasonal conditions
The renovation required dynamic planning and execution to combat weather conditions, unknown underground utilities, and shifting grades from seasonal flooding. Richard, as part of Sawtooth, and the Army Corps of Engineers held daily coordination meetings to maintain lock and dam operations 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.
OUTCOME:
Enhanced navigation reliability for thousands of annual river vessels
Strengthened community infrastructure with improved access and flood resilience
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.
The site now stands resilient against frequent flooding conditions, demonstrating both engineering excellence and practical functionality. 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.
