Parking & Directions
Peoria Parking
Beginning at noon on Saturday, July 4, several downtown Peoria streets will be restricted due to the Red, White, & BOOM! fireworks display sponsored by Choose Greater Peoria and presented by i3 Broadband.
Drivers should exercise caution and patience throughout the day and evening. The use of alternative routes is advised, and delays should be expected. See the attached map for street closures.
Parking Lot Closures – 9 a.m.
• The MEL/Liberty Riverfront parking lot (300 block of SW Water Street) and the parking lot adjacent to Martini’s on Water Street.
• The Caterpillar parking lot, located at S.W. Washington Street and Hamilton Boulevard, will be closed to the public, and available only to VIP event permit holders and people with disabilities.
Road Closures – Noon
• S.W. Water Street from State Street to Eaton Street.
• Walnut Street between S.W. Washington Street and S.W. Water Street.
• Harrison Street between S.W. Washington Street and S.W. Water Street.
• Liberty Street between S.W. Washington Street and S.W. Water Street.
• Main Street between S.W. Washington Street and S.W. Water Street.
• Hamilton Boulevard between S.W. Washington Street and S.W. Water Street.
During this time, the only traffic allowed in these areas will be vendors, exhibitors, 401 S.W. Water Street property owners, and Ameren employees. Access to the MAXAM Building parking garage and parking lot will be maintained. Vendors will be required to present their permit to enter the Riverfront. Vendor vehicle entry and exit into the Riverfront will not be allowed after 12-noon.
Road Closures – 8 p.m.
• Liberty Street between S.W. Adams Street and S.W. Washington Street.
• Fulton Street between S.W. Adams Street and S.W. Washington Street.
• Main Street between S.W. Adams Street and S.W. Washington Street.
The Bob Michel Bridge will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, starting at 8:30 p.m. and lasting through the duration of the fireworks.
The I-74 eastbound exits of 93, 94, and 95 will be closed starting at 8:30pm
Handicapped parking areas
Handicapped parking is available at the city lot across from the CAT parking garage at the foot of Hamilton and Water.
Police will direct only those vehicles marked with proper handicapped identification.
Directions to Peoria Riverfront
From I-74 West: Until 8:30pm, go across the Murray Baker Bridge to the Adams/Jefferson exit, the first exit off the bridge. Use Jefferson Street south into downtown.
From I-74 East: Use the Glen Oak exit and stay in the two left lanes for Fayette or use the two right lanes and take Hamilton or Main Street into downtown. The Washington exit will also be open until 8:30pm, but parking for the event is generally west of Washington. Use the Washington exit to Hamilton.
Leaving the Fireworks Peoria
Plan your route out: Downtown streets and ramps may be opened and closed as situations warrant. The entrance ramps to westbound I-74 are open at Washington, Glen Oak (the tunnel by OSF) and Knoxville. The entrance ramps to eastbound I-74 are open at Knoxville, Glen Oak (at Carle Health) and on Fayette just past Jefferson. Peoria Police will be directing as the downtown streets fill up quickly with traffic and pedestrians. Use caution!
EAST PEORIA
Bass Pro Drive through RiverFront Park will be closed all day to vehicle traffic. Bass Pro Shops will close its store at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, and its large parking lot will be available for fireworks viewing via Riverside Drive.
Fireworks attendees need to pay attention to any no parking signs at Walmart and the Riverside Center businesses. No RV or trailer parking will be allowed in the RiverFront Park parking lot. In addition, no parking of any kind will be allowed on Conference Center Drive near the Embassy Suites and on the Interstate 74 east and west flyover ramps.
Roads in the area leading to RiverFront Park will begin closing at about 8:30 p.m., and all roads in the immediate area will be closed at 9 p.m.
IMPORTANT: The East Peoria Police Department requests that people be considerate and not use multiple parking spots for lawn chairs and other accessories in the Riverside Center parking lots. Parking lots must be used for vehicles, not chairs.
Handicapped parking areas:
Handicapped parking spaces will be in the parking lot adjacent to RiverFront Park and in Walmart’s parking lot near the automotive center. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Vehicles must display the proper handicapped license plate or mirror tag.
Directions to East Peoria Riverfront
From I-74 East or West: Use the Route 116/Main Street or Riverfront Drive exits until 8:30pm.
Leaving the Fireworks in East Peoria
When thousands of people come to a party, there will be traffic slow-downs. The East Peoria Police Department encourages patience and humor when driving to and from fireworks viewing areas, and to be mindful of pedestrians and police officers directing traffic.
PATIENCE IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!