State Sen. Neil Anderson | Facebook
State Sen. Neil Anderson | Facebook
State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) celebrated the completion of the new Interstate-74 bridge that spans the Mississippi River and connects Illinois and Iowa.
According to the American Institute of Steel Construction, the new bridge replaces the existing structure that is more than 80 years old.
"This billion dollar investment will help bridge the gap and safety concerns the old I-74 bridge posed and will bring an aesthetically pleasing view with new resources to and from the Quad City region," Anderson said in a statement.
The bridge was officially opened on Dec. 1, with state and local representatives, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Rock Island), Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, and several mayors from across the Quad Cities, and a few leaders from across state lines in Iowa attending the ceremonial grand opening, according to KWQC.
“The I-74 River Bridge is a testament to what is possible when we work together to build a better Midwest,” Pritzker said during the ceremony, according to KWQC. “These improvements will support safer and shorter commutes, connect economies across the Mississippi, and spark opportunity across the Quad Cities. I’m proud to celebrate our partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation and thank them for their leadership.”
In his statement, Anderson also added the "critical need" for investment in infrastructure improvements in Illinois goes back several years.
"As the Senator in the 36th District, this is a historic day I have been looking forward to and I am proud to see a good vision in Illinois finally come to life," Anderson said.
Most of the funding, around 90%, for the $1 billion construction project came the federal government, and according to Illinois Newsroom it is one of the largest construction projects in Illinois State history.
KWQC reported the new bridge has eight lanes in total, four in each direction, plus a 14-foot wide bike and walking path.
The old suspension bridge is expected to be torn down next year.
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