As West Peoria enters 2026, residents can look back on a year of progress and major transformation. The most visible change in 2025 was the overhaul of city infrastructure. The transition to a modern municipal center has redefined the town’s crossroads.

APRIL SILVER

The intersection at Rohmann and Sterling underwent extensive redevelopment with the opening of the new City Hall at 2421 W. Rohmann Avenue. After years of design and budgeting, the facility hosted its first official city meetings in May before its grand opening on July 21st. More than just a government building, the new City Hall incorporates solar panels for renewable electricity, geothermal systems for efficient building heating and cooling, and an updated community space that now accommodates twice as many residents as before. The project did not require any increase in city taxes, reflecting meticulous financial planning.

DEVELOPMENTS: This new civic plaza now serves as the prominent home for the Veterans’ Memorial, giving local heroes the visibility they deserve. In turn, the move has spurred further revitalization: the former City Hall location is set to become the new home of the Bank of Farmington.

Beyond City Hall, 2025 saw continued investment in the city’s infrastructure. Early in the year, crews completed a careful restoration of the historic St. Mary’s Cemetery gates, preserving the original wrought ironwork and stone pillars. Meanwhile, the city’s sidewalk improvement program installed new pavement panels and curb ramps to increase walkability along Dixon and Bergan Avenues.

To close the year, residents navigated the resurfacing of Farmington Road. This major IDOT project required patience from motorists as crews worked through the holiday season to wrap up the improvements.

HARMON HIGHWAY AT KICKAPOO CLOSED: However, while 2025 was a year of completion, 2026 begins with a significant new logistical challenge. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that Harmon Highway (Illinois 116) just west of Peoria will close to all traffic on Jan. 2.

This $23.2 million IDOT project is necessary to replace the Kickapoo Creek bridge, which has been in service since 1935. Due to the bridge’s aging steel- truss structure and substandard width, engineers determined that a complete removal was required. The replacement will be a modern, four-span, steel girder bridge, designed to meet current safety standards. The project also includes rebuilding the bridge approaches and updating underground drainage sewers. Construction is scheduled through the end of 2026. During this period, a marked detour route will be in place, and motorists are encouraged to allow for additional travel time and exercise caution near work zones.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Through all this physical change, community spirit kept West Peoria vibrant. From the Sixth Annual Golf Classic in October to the summer sandwich sales at the Owl’s Nest, residents showed up again and again to support the Fire Department. Traditions like the longest-running parade in central Illinois, the Boy Scout Troop 11 Ice Cream Social, and the Trunk or Treat at the new City Hall strengthened social bonds.

As we move into 2026, West Peoria stands on a modern, stable, and connected foundation. We enter the new year prepared to navigate the detours ahead, building on the collective efforts of people who deeply believe in “Neighbors Serving Neighbors.”