What is the purpose of this study?

This study will evaluate the options for potential rehabilitation or removal and replacement of the Joe Page Bridge. Community input, transportation alternatives, and impacts to the environment will be analyzed in the project area.

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How long will the study last?

The project began in late 2022 and Phase I is anticipated to take three years. 

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How can I be involved in this study?

You can get involved by participating in community meetings and public open houses, speaking with your local officials, signing-up for the mailing list here, and submitting a comment here.

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How can I get notified of updates on the study?

Click here to sign-up for the project mailing list to be sent newsletters and be notified of upcoming events.

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Can the existing bridge be brought back to a state of good repair?

Part of the study process is to evaluate several preliminary alternatives for the project, one of which would be to maintain the existing bridge into the future. However, the existing bridge is reaching the end of its serviceable life and is in poor condition, potentially making it more expensive to maintain in the future than the capital cost of a new structure.

 

Why does the bridge need to be replaced?

Although the Joe Page Bridge has been rehabilitated several times, the basic structure is more than nine decades old and is approaching the end of its serviceable life. It is not up to date with current design standards or does not meet safety criteria. Weather, vehicle use, age and deicing treatments have caused deterioration through the life span.

 

Will constructing a new bridge cause more flooding issues?  

During this study, a river hydraulics study will be performed on the existing bridge and proposed bridge. The IDNR requirement for the proposed replacement bridge is to achieve a ‘no-rise’ condition which means no increase in water surface elevations when compared to the existing bridge.

 

Will building a new bridge impact the river?

All alternatives evaluated as part of the study will be reviewed for impacts to a variety of environmental resources, the river being one of them. The land transportation needs of the region along with the transportation needs along the Illinois River will be reviewed against any proposed impacts rehabilitation of the existing bridge or constructing a new bridge may have.

  

Will the new bridge be in the same place as the existing bridge?

This will be determined through the study process which includes local community involvement.

 

Who will make the decision on where the new bridge is located?

Through the study process, multiple alternatives will be evaluated with engineering and environmental analyses and community input to determine the preferred alternative for the design and location of a new structure. This study process includes involvement with the local community through public meetings and stakeholder meetings to review, receive comments and discuss what is the best option to recommend to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

 

What will the new bridge look like?

The current bridge structure is built in a style that is no longer used due to increased steel costs, new safety standards, the high cost of maintenance, and new technology in bridge building. During the study process, the design team will present several bridge options for consideration that will meet modern design and safety standards.

 

When will construction begin?

Construction of the bridge is years away as this study alone will take an estimated three years to complete. After approval by the FHWA for the preferred alternative, the design of the bridge and any land acquisition will take place which could take two to three years to complete. It could take at least six years before construction would begin on the project depending on funding availability.

 

How long will construction take?

It is not known for certain, but we estimate construction could take approximately 36 months depending on the selected alternative.

 

Will the bridge be closed during construction?

Due to the limited locations for crossing the river, the existing bridge will most likely remain open to traffic until construction of a new bridge can be completed.

 

Who will pay for the new bridge?

Construction of the new bridge will be funded with state and federal dollars.