The Slough Bridge in Peru, Illinois is the only road link to the city’s Illinois River boat ramp, so any closure affects anglers, paddlers, emergency access, and weekend traffic.
After decades of service, the span shows age-related deterioration (corrosion, paint loss, and section wear).
Routine checks have tightened weight and safety controls over time, and city leaders now favor a full replacement rather than short-term patching to guarantee long-term reliability.
What City Leaders Approved In 2025
In 2025, Peru moved from “monitor and maintain” to active replacement planning.
The city green-lit a fresh condition assessment to update load ratings and gather data for design.
That step unlocks the sequence that follows: pick a replacement concept, launch preliminary engineering, and assemble a funding package with IDOT and potential state/federal programs.
In short, 2025 is the setup year that gets the paperwork, permits, and design roadmap in order.
Expected Timeline & Milestones
While exact construction dates will depend on design approvals and funding, residents can expect the following path:
- Condition Update (2025): Field inspection, measurements, and ratings inform the design brief.
- Preliminary Engineering (Late 2025–2026): Geometry, span type, navigation and clearance checks, and environmental review.
- Funding & Permits (2025–2026): Mix of local capital, IDOT participation, and competitive grants; utility coordination and right-of-way as needed.
- Final Design & Bidding (2026): Construction documents, traffic control plans, bid letting.
- Construction (Earliest 2026/27): Staged work with detours and temporary access controls near the Illinois River.
Tip for readers: subscribe to city alerts—detour maps, ramp-access windows, and weekend work notices will be issued as milestones firm up.
Traffic, Boat Ramp Access & Safety
Because the bridge is the only roadway to the boat ramp, Peru will prioritize short, safety-driven closures during field work and, later, construction. Expect:
- Signed detours and advance notice before peak fishing/boating weekends.
- Temporary ramp closures during inspection or heavy equipment moves.
- Emergency access coordination to keep response times stable.
- Clear work-zone speeds, barriers, and lighting to protect crews and drivers.
Budget, Funding & Design Features
The replacement budget will reflect modern standards and lifecycle savings. The city’s working approach emphasizes:
- Durability: corrosion-resistant details, improved drainage, and protective coatings.
- Safety: modern guardrails, barrier systems, and approach realignments.
- Access: roadway width that safely handles trailers; potential bike/ped accommodation if feasible.
- Maintainability: details that cut long-term costs, keeping the span reliable for decades.
Project Snapshot
| Item | Latest Detail |
|---|---|
| Location/Role | Slough Bridge, Peru, IL — sole road access to the Illinois River boat ramp |
| Primary Goal | Full replacement of an aging structure for safety and reliability |
| 2025 Focus | Condition assessment, data collection, and pre-design scoping |
| Lead Coordination | City of Peru with IDOT and state/federal partners |
| Key Milestones | 2025: inspection & scoping → 2025–26: prelim engineering & funding → 2026: final design/bid → 2026/27: construction (target, subject to approvals) |
| Access Impacts | Short closures, marked detours, scheduled ramp restrictions; emergency access maintained |
| Design Priorities | Safety, durability, potential bike/ped, trailer-friendly width, better drainage |
| Public Notices | City updates with detour maps, weekend work windows, and staging details |
Peru is taking the next big step to replace the Slough Bridge and protect a critical link to the Illinois River.
By using 2025 to lock in inspection data, concept choices, and funding, the city sets up a clear runway to design, bid, and build.
Residents should plan for temporary closures and detours, but the outcome—a safer, modern, and longer-lasting bridge—will deliver smoother trips to the water and more dependable access for the entire community.
