The end is in sight for the opening of the new eastbound span of McClugage Bridge, but the Illinois Department of Transportation has not identified a specific date.
What work is left on McClugage Bridge?
The work remaining before IDOT opens the bridge to limited traffic includes installing new signs and striping, finishing the electrical work, finalizing the cable work on the arch and spraying the deck with protective coating.
“The work necessary to open the bridge is extremely weather-dependent,” IDOT construction field engineer Nick Volk said. “We do not have a date set for the opening, but we will let the public know once we have one.”
‘Dreamer’: Founder of well-known Peoria restaurant and bar remembered for love, loyalty
The new span will initially only be open to one lane of US 150 approaching the bridge, Volk added. The ramps to access the bridge will also be open.
The new bridge will only have two lanes upon opening, says Volk, completing the third stage of the four-stage project. Through the Summer of 2025, there is remaining road work on each side of the bridge and demolition begins on the existing eastbound bridge. IDOT in October estimated the demolition will take 9-12 months.
Since opening in 1948, the span has developed structural issues from over 75 years of traffic, snow removal efforts and weather. Additionally, its narrow shoulders and lanes mean it cannot efficiently handle its current traffic level.
What work has been done recently on McClugage Bridge?
Since October, construction crews have completed the bridge deck, the parapet walls and most of the fence and railing attached to the walls, according to Volk.
Crews have also finished roadway work from the ramp from Adams Street, increased electrical work on new highway lights, fiber optic cable, traffic cameras and weather sensors — and textured the entire bridge deck.
‘The deal is dead’: Why plans for a $57 million hotel in Downtown Peoria were terminated
What will the new McClugage Bridge include?
Under construction since 2019, the new structure will be more than twice the width of the old bridge and will include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. A third lane and shoulders will increase traffic capacity on the bridge.
The bridge was a planned expense of about $167 million. In March, John Love, a civil engineer at IDOT, said the contract remained on budget.
For daily updates and bridge views, visit mcclugagebridge.com.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: McClugage Bridge project update: Opening date expected soon
