IDOT wants to replace the Quincy Memorial bridge with a brand new bridge, and will soon begin the first phase of a replacement study for a future bridge, though it may not be until the end of the decade until they actually get around to building it since the first phase of this study is just beginning.
This is the original Quincy Memorial bridge that was built between 1928-30 and serves east-bound US-24 across the Mississippi to Quincy, IL.
There’s also a newer 2 lane cable stay bridge built in the 1980s that serves US-24 west-bound that will at some point be paired with the future bridge.
I guess this comes as no surprise to people on this forum since they also want to replace the US-54 Champ Clark bridge at Louisiana, MO too.
http://www.whig.com/story/22004525/idot-road-program-include...
"Illinois will spend $2.24 billion on highway projects in the coming year, including $1 million as the first phase of work to replace Quincy Memorial Bridge. "
"IDOT Deputy Director Roger Driskell said the initial $1 million to prepare for replacement of the Quincy Memorial Bridge will involve environmental work and design studies. Another $2.5 million is in the highway program through 2019.
"We'll hire a consultant and then we'll have a two- or three-year study," Driskell said.
The bridge is more than 80 years old and has been on a priority list for replacement."
This is a very unique and beautiful span!
Ridiculous. The bridge already has been made into a one-way couplet. It is sufficient for existing traffic as a result. It appears Section 106 Review will be required. I believe feasible and prudent alternatives to replacement exist.