Street Closure Permits

What is a Street Closure Permit?

A Street Closure Permit is required for events that need a street to be closed to keep everyone safe. This includes things like:

  • Parades
  • Block parties
  • Festivals
  • Other large events

How to Apply

If you want to hold an event that requires closing a street in Mt. Vernon, you must complete a Street Closure Permit Application. You can:

  • Download the application online
  • Pick up a copy at the City Manager’s Office at City Hall

Once you have filled out the application, you can submit it by:

Important Notes:

  • You must also collect signatures from residents and businesses affected by the closure.
  • Your application must be submitted at least 7 days before the City Council meeting where it will be reviewed.
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
  • City Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.

Extra Steps for State Highway Closures

If your event requires closing a state highway, there are extra steps:

  • The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requires your application to be submitted to them at least 30 days before your event.
  • The City Council must approve your application before it goes to IDOT.
  • You must also provide proof of liability insurance to protect the State of Illinois. This must be included with your application.

Timeline Example for a State Highway Closure

Let’s say your event is scheduled for August 31st:

  • IDOT needs the approved application by July 31st.
  • To meet this deadline, your application must be approved by the last City Council meeting in July.
  • This means you must submit your completed application, including signatures and proof of insurance, at least 6 to 7 weeks before your event..

If you are unsure about your event date or the deadlines, please contact the City Manager’s Office for help planning ahead.

What Happens After You Apply

City staff will review your application. They may contact you for more information.

If your application is complete, it will be added to the next available City Council meeting agenda for approval.

You are not required to attend the City Council meeting, but it is strongly encouraged in case the Council has questions about your event.

If your request is approved, the Street Department will deliver barricades to block off the street for your event.

Below is a list of street closure requests that have been approved by the City Council.

 

Approved Street Closures

The following road closures have been approved by the Mt. Vernon City Council. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes when available, and follow all posted signage and directions from event staff or public safety personnel.

Parade Route Closures

Route:

  • Begins and ends at: 7th Street
  • Travels along: Main Street to 10th Street, 10th Street to Broadway, and Broadway to 7th Street

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Additional nearby streets may be temporarily closed to support parade operations, public safety, and crowd management. These closures are listed below.

Traffic & Detours

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signage and directions from public safety personnel.

Street / Area Closures

Street(s) Affected:

  • 7th Street - Main Street to Casey Avenue
  • Jordan Street - 9th Street to 6th Street

Date(s):
Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time:
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Purpose:
Downtown Christmas activities (non-parade event areas)

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Parade Route Closures

Route:

  • Begins at:7th Street
  • Travels along: Main Street to 10th Street, 10th Street to Newby Avenue
  • Ends at: Newby Avenue

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 12:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Additional nearby streets may be temporarily closed to support parade operations, public safety, and crowd management. These closures are listed below.

Traffic & Detours

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signage and directions from public safety personnel.

Street / Area Closures

Thursday, September 24 - Sunday, September 27

Time: 7:00 a.m. (Thursday) - 2:00 p.m. (Sunday)

Closure Reason: Main Stage setup

Street(s) Affected:

  • 9th Street - Casey Avenue to Jordan Street

Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Street(s) Affected:

  • 9th Street - Casey Avenue to Broadway
  • Jordan Street - east side of RARE Parking Lot to Johnson Alley
  • 9th Street - Broadway to Harrison Street

Friday, September 25

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Closure Reason: Cruise-In (Elks)

Street(s) Affected:

  • Jordan Street - 10th Street to 12th Street
  • 11th Street - Broadway to Casey Avenue

Saturday, September 26

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closure Reason: Parade staging

Street(s) Affected:

  • 7th Street - Broadway to Newby Avenue

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: 9th Street, between Broadway and Casey

Date: August 13th - August 16th, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM - 8 PM

Closure Reason: Ash Bash Art & Music Festival

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: IL 15 from Marlow Road (FAS 789) to the junction of IL 15 and Old Route 15

Date: Saturday July 4th, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Closure Reason: 4th of July Salute to Freedom Fireworks Display

Additional Information: Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Parade Route Closure

Route: The parade will travel along 10th Street (IL 37) from Newby Avenue to Wescott Street.  

Date: Saturday, June 20th, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Additional nearby streets may be temporarily closed to support parade operations, public safety, and crowd management. These closures are listed below.

Traffic & Detours

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signage and directions from public safety personnel.

Additional Information:
Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: 9th Street, between Broadway Street and Jordan Street. 

Date: June 6th, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Closure Reason: Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: Jordan Street, between 10th Street and 12th Street. 

Date: First Friday of each month May - October.  June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, and October 2, 2026.

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Closure Reason: Kingsmen Auto Club Cruise-In

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: 9th Street, between Main Street and Jordan Street

Date: March 28th, May 9th, June 13th & August 8th

Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closure Reason: Mt. Vernon Market Days

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Street(s) Affected: North Street, between 10th and 11th Street

Date: March 14, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Closure Reason: Central Christian Church Women's Conference 

Additional Information:
Local access will be maintained where possible. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.

Important Notes

  • Closure dates and times are subject to change due to weather or operational needs.
  • Streets may reopen earlier than scheduled as conditions allow.
  • Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.
  • Updates will be shared through the City website and official notification channels.

Contact Us

1100 Main Street
Mount Vernon IL 62864
See on map: Google Maps

Phone: (618) 242-5000
Email: cityhall@mtvernon.com

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.