After roughly four years, the McClugage Bridge in Illinois is finally beginning to look like a bridge. Despite the structure that runs over the Illinois River being behind schedule, girders are in place, and show where the bridge deck will be come the summertime.
Nearly all the piers have been built and the arch which will form the frame of the bridge, should rise from a river barge in late summer or early fall.
The old McClugage Bridge is being replaced after an approximately 70 year run.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2023, the new bridge is set to be completed in 2024, thanks to COVID, supply chain issues, and weather conditions.
The new structure that is replacing the current McClugage Bridge will have three spans, costing roughly $167 million and remains on budget with some minor added costs.
Bridge users can look forward to a wider structure with a 14-foot-wide, multi-use path for walkers and bikers. The walking and biking path on the bridge will require two trailheads, one on each side of the river.
Two parking lots for the trailheads will be built on either side of the river, and the Ironworkers Memorial will be moved from its spot on East Lorentz Avenue.
The goal for the new bridge is to have vehicles back on the eastbound span by spring 2024. The demolition is planned to be late 2024 to early 2025.
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Source: Journal Star
