IL & IA DOT seek feedback on I-80 bridge alternatives

Officials from the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Transportation (DOT) continue to study alternatives for the I-80 Mississippi River bridge and held a third virtual public meeting on Oct. 27, 2022.

Officials recommended moving forward with bridge alternatives two, three, four and five. Simply stated, alternatives two and three do not require demolishing the current bridge; a new bridge will be built 50 feet either to the east or west of the current bridge. Alternatives four and five include a companion bridge to be built east or west of the current bridge, with traffic re-routed to the companion bridge while the existing bridge is replaced.

Four interchange alternatives at I-80/I-88 are also included in the report. Options range from expanded cloverleafs to a four-level interchange.

Illinois DOT and Iowa DOT will accept public comment on the four options through Nov. 10. Businesses are encouraged to share feedback with the state DOTs and the Chamber (through the "talk to us" button on the right).