St. Clair County Courthouse temporarily closing main entrance. Here’s what to know
Starting Monday, the main entrance to the St. Clair County Courthouse across from the fountain in Belleville’s Public Square will close for the latest phase of construction work.
The county plans to expand the lobby and improve the security checkpoint there before people can enter the building’s offices or courtrooms as part of the project.
The public can still access the courthouse while construction crews work. A temporary entrance will be available for visitors on the southeast side of the building closest to Illinois Street, according to a public notice from the county.
Signs will be posted to help guide visitors.
The pedestrian crosswalk tunnel between the public parking garage and courthouse will remain closed during this phase. People who have disabilities can request assistance getting to the temporary entrance by speaking with the parking garage attendant on the yellow level at the corner of First and Washington streets, the public notice states.
The work is part of an estimated $14 million in total construction at the courthouse, which includes the demolition of the exterior steps at the southwest entrance, upgrades to prisoner holding cells and freight elevators and new, energy-efficient windows.
More than half of the cost, $9.3 million, is covered by federal COVID-19 relief dollars from the American Rescue Plan. The remaining $4.7 million will come out of Public Building Commission funds.
The Public Building Commission is the board that manages all county buildings and properties, including the courthouse, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM.
