Deal Officially Reached To Reopen Stretch Of Vermilion River

A closed stretch of the Vermilion River in Oglesby should be back open to kayakers and rafters next year.

A deal to reopen Buzzi Unicem’s stretch of the river to recreation has been reached between the cement company and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Buzzi closed its stretch last year after a drowning.

The DNR plans to put in new signage, hanging buoys, and concrete blocks in the hole below the low-head dam to reduce the rapidly flowing undertow.  A restricted boating area will be designated at the dam.

DNR officials say they will start working on safety additions before the end of the year.  They say the work could potentially create dozens of jobs.