Washington Street to close for construction

A portion of Washington Street in downtown Peoria will close Tuesday morning for about nine months for reconstruction as part of the Warehouse District project, the City of Peoria announced Monday.

Beginning Tuesday at 7 a.m., Washington Street from State Street to Liberty Street will be closed in both directions and the closure is expected to last until Dec. 15, 2013, the city said.

City, state and federal officials broke ground on the infrastructure improvement project last week. Improving the streets and other infrastructure in the area tabbed as the Warehouse District on the southwest part of downtown is expected to propel renovations of the old buildings in the area into loft apartments, offices and retail. The city hopes the Warehouse District, once completed, will attract more young professionals to the area.

Motorists should use Adams Street and Jefferson Street as detour routes while Washington Street is closed. Access to Water Street and the Riverfront is available from State Street and Liberty Street. 

If you have any questions regarding the Washington Street Project or the work in the Warehouse District please visit www.warehousedistrictpeoria.com for project updates and info.  If you need other assistance, please contact Peoria Public Works at 494-8800. 

"The City of Peoria appreciates your cooperation during this exciting reconstruction endeavor and we look forward to a successful infrastructure improvement," a City Hall news release said.