P R
O J
E C
T S
Major projects along the Illinois
& Michigan Canal are in a constant state of planning, development,
implementation and completion. It is our intent to keep interested
individuals as up to date on these projects as possible. Please
check back through out the year to see how these projects are
progressing.
(You can click on all the
thumbnail images to obtain a larger view)
M.
J. Hogan Grain Elevator & Visitor Center
The M. J. Hogan Grain Elevator
is the only remaining elevator along the canal that operated during
the canals heyday. This project will include extensive interior
and exterior renovations, a new roof and structural support improvements.
Once completed, the first floor of the elevator will be open for
public access. In addition, the old scale house directly east
of the elevator will be converted into a visitor center. The visitor
center will be staffed by a full time Interpreter, providing educational
programs to the public. It is anticipated that this project will
be complete during the late Fall of 1999.
   
Lock #8 Aux Sable
The Lock #8 project began
during the fall of 1998 and is well underway. Under this project,
the Locktenders house will be completely renovated and returned
to its original appearance. The addition that was on the north
face of the house nearest the trail, has already been removed,
restoring its natural structure. Several outbuildings that stood
directly behind and to the west of the house have also been removed.
Stabilization improvements will be made to the lock chamber and
the new pedestrian bridge crossing the lock as already been added.
This project should be completed during the winter of 1999-2000.
   
Lock #14 Project
The Lock #14 project also
began during the fall of 1998 and is progressing rapidly. This
project will encompass such things as: the removal of the earthen
dam and the re-introduction of water into the lock chamber, repairs
and stabilization to the Nettle Creek Aqueduct (already complete),
a major rehabilitation of the Locktenders house at lock #6 (over
90% complete), the addition of a canoe launch at Lock #14 and
the extension of the I&M Canal State Trail further West to
the mouth of the Illinois River. It is anticipated that various
aspects of this project will be ongoing into 2000.
   
Locks 2-12
This project will have various
levels of stabilization components to help stabilize the canal
lock chambers along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Each of
the locks #2 - #12 will receive stabilization improvements based
on assessed need. The locks will be power washed first and then
structural work will begin. It is anticipated that work on this
project will be ongoing though out 1999.
  
|
