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Alton Visitor Center Temporarily Closed,

Near Record Crest Expected Week

For the first time in 26 years, the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., in downtown Alton, has been closed due to historic rising flood waters from the Mississippi River. The building, which sits at the intersection US 67 and

Illinois Route 100, is closed until further notice.

“This is an unprecedented flood and one that just won’t give up,” said Brett Stawar, President and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “But, we’re not giving up either. We are still serving the people of the region and our visitors, virtually. The river may have won this round, but our rivers and routes region is based on resiliency.”

Flood water continued to rise earlier this week in West Alton, MO and in Alton, IL. The Mississippi River is expected to crest Tuesday, June 4 at 39.3 feet, just three feet below the 1993 flood level. Additional heavy rains this week could impact river crests as more rain this week could put Alton and over the 1993 records.

   Alton Visitor Center staff have been relocated to nearby offices and will continue to answer phone calls at 1-800-258-6645 and 618-465-6676. Live chats via the website will also be available during normal business hours seven days a week. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau continues to operate on a normal basis.

Unfortunately, visitor services such as informational guides, maps and in person ticket sales for Alton Amphitheater will be suspended until the building can reopen. People can still order tickets through LibertyBankAmphitheater.com or can buy in person at the Fox Theater Box Office in St. Louis or online at MetroTix.com.

Rising river waters and a city flood wall constructed behind the Visitor Center effectively cut off access to the building on Wednesday, May 29. Essential electronic equipment and furniture was removed from the building.

PHOTO CAPTIONS BELOW

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

The view off Hwy 367 just over the Alton Bridge on the Missouri side.   Bob Lindsey photos

WEST ALTON, MO flooding is approaching the 1993 record mark. Editor Bob Lindsey, who covered the flooding back then, said Monday’s levels (when he shot these photos) seem just a few feet short of 1993. Above photo shows the edge of the Phillips 66 station just before you cross the Alton bridge. “Back then, there was only one lane of 367 open and it looked like the highway was going through a muddy ocean,” he recalled.. Bottom photo is view off 367 looking north. The entrance to West Alton is now closed with several feet of water under the bridge. Closer to home, a call went out for immeidate help with sandbagging efforts in Bellefontaine Neighbors on Tuesday, preparing for a near record crest expected June 6.   Bob Lindsey photos

Flood waters surround the Alton Visitor Center which has been forced to close as water keeps riising in downtown Alton. The iconic Welcome to Alton sign has been surroudned by water for days. For updated information on Alton area business closures, road closures and river levels, go to: www.VisitAlton.com/flood                                      Bob Lindsey photos

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