FAQs
Why was the IL 18 River Bridge under study?
The IL 18 River Bridge was built in 1934 and is nearing the end of its expected use. Its condition and geometrics are poor, making it functionally obsolete. To address the structure’s deficiencies, a study was required to identify appropriate rehabilitation measures or replacement of the bridge. The study concluded that a structure replacement on a new alignment was the preferred alternative.
Will the new structure be in the same location as the existing one?
The new structure is proposed immediately upstream of the existing structure. The benefits and impacts of various alternatives were studied to identify the preferred alternative. Alignments upstream, downstream, as well as along the existing alignment were considered during the Phase I Study.
How long will this take?
The Phase I Preliminary Engineering Study is to be completed in 2025. The following Phase II Design process will develop detailed plans for the construction of the bridge, the roadway approaches, and other items related to the overall improvement. This phase is anticipated to take approximately two-and-a-half years to complete, depending on permit approval processes and the acquisition of needed right-of-way. Phase III, the actual construction, can begin when the Phase II plans are finalized and required permits have been obtained. The earliest planned construction start date is late Fall of 2027. The construction itself is then expected to take two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years to complete.
Will the new bridge have sidewalks and bike lanes?
The new structure across the Illinois River will have a 12-foot-wide driving lane in each direction and 8-foot-wide shoulders on each side of the bridge. Sidewalks are not proposed on the new structure. However, the 8-foot-wide shoulders will be available for bicycles, pedestrians, stalled vehicles, and wider loads.
What will the new bridge look like?
The new bridge will be designed to meet current standards for length, width, and clearance over the Illinois River. It will consist of two 12-foot-wide driving lanes with 8-foot-wide shoulders. The proposed structure will have girders under the driving surface, rather than steel trusses above the driving lanes like the existing structure has today. Light poles will be included on parapet walls to illuminate the roadway at night.
What is IDOT’s land acquisition process?
This brochure provides an overview of the land acquisition process. The land acquisition process can begin once the Phase I Study is approved.
Will the new bridge be wider than the existing bridge?
Yes, the new structure will be wider than the existing structure. The new structure will have 12-foot-wide lanes with 8-foot-wide shoulders, where the existing structure only has 11-foot 4-inch-wide lanes. This additional width will accommodate larger vehicles such as farm equipment, bicyclists, and provide space for stalled vehicles.
Will the existing bridge stay open while the new bridge is being built?
Yes, the intent is for the existing bridge to remain in service while the new bridge is built in order to maintain traffic across the Illinois River at this location. Some traffic control will be necessary to connect the roadway to the new bridge near its completion, but two-way traffic is planned throughout the construction of the project.
What will happen to the existing bridge after the new bridge is built?
The existing bridge is planned to be demolished pending approval by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The planned demolition would not take place until the new bridge is fully constructed and traffic has all been switched over to the new bridge. Due to the characteristics and requirements of the project, the Section 106 Review Process of the National Historic Preservation Act is being followed. Per 23 U.S.C. 144(n), IDOT was required to first make the bridge available for donation to a state, local, or responsible entity. The bridge was offered to the public on December 3, 2023, and no interested party came forward.