Bridges in Peoria, Illinois facts for kids
Peoria and East Peoria, Illinois, are two cities that sit on opposite sides of the Illinois River. This important river is about 240-mile (386 km) long. In some spots, especially around Peoria Lake, it can be as wide as a mile! The Illinois River is a big part of a larger system of waterways. It connects to the Mississippi River and helps link many parts of the country.
The Illinois River: A Busy Waterway
The Illinois River is a very important waterway for transportation. It's like a natural highway for boats and barges. Barges are large, flat-bottomed boats that carry heavy goods like grain, coal, or oil. They can move a lot of cargo at once, which is cheaper than moving it by truck or train.
This river is part of a huge water route that stretches all the way from New Orleans, Louisiana, up to Chicago. From Chicago, ships can even travel through the Saint Lawrence Seaway to reach the Atlantic Ocean! Because so many large boats use the Illinois River, bridges built over it must be very tall. They have to be at least 70 feet (21 m) above the average river level. This ensures that even the tallest barges can pass safely underneath without hitting the bridge.
Crossing the River: Peoria's Bridges
In the Peoria area, there are six main bridges that cross the Illinois River. These bridges are super important because they connect Peoria and East Peoria, allowing people to travel between the two cities for work, school, or fun. Even though the roads leading to the bridges can sometimes seem a bit tricky, they are usually well-marked to help drivers find their way.
Each bridge has its own story and importance for the community. Here are some of the main bridges that help people cross the Illinois River in the Peoria area:
- Cedar Street Bridge
- Bob Michel Bridge
- Murray Baker Bridge
- McClugage Bridge
- Shade-Lohmann Bridge
