ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The City of Rock Island is implementing its flood plan as it prepares for rising waters along the banks of the Mississippi River.
As of Tuesday, June 25, the Mississippi is predicted to slowly rise to above major flood stage, 18 feet at the Rock Island gauge, cresting around July 4.
City employees will install pumps and close gatewells along the riverfront.
Water pump discharge hoses will be placed across the Rock Island portion of the Great River Trail. The location of the hoses will be marked. The city encourages caution when pedestrians and bicyclists cross those hoses.
The affected portion of the bike path will remain closed until the river level falls below 16 feet.
The Sunset Marina fuel dock will close and pump-out service will be discontinued by the end of the week. Sunset Drive from 31st Avenue to the Park Shelter and Skafidas Parkway will be closed by June 28.
Downtown Rock Island is largely spared from Mississippi River flooding after a flood wall was constructed starting in 1970, after historic flooding in 1965.