Photos: Crews near completion of $5-10M Starved Rock breakwater project

An aerial view Tuesday, April 30, 2024, of Delbridge Island just east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is nearing completion as a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish. The breakwater structure will be about 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth. The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million. (Scott Anderson)