I-80 Bridge Repairs Could Mean Lane Closures at Iowa-Illinois Border Next Year

Iowa and Illinois will jointly tackle $10 million worth of repairs to the Interstate 80 Bridge that links the two states in the Quad City area along the Mississippi River.

The needed repairs are so extensive that as many as three of the span’s four lanes may be closed during certain periods of construction that is to last from April to November 2010, the states said.

Between April and July 2010, both eastbound lanes will be closed on the 42-year-old bridge that connects Le Claire, Ia., and Rapids City, Ill.

A routine inspection in May revealed that sections were “unsound and needed to be repaired,” the states said in a statement.

The project will be put out to bid Nov. 6 by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which is acting as the lead agency.

By Michele Fuetsch

Staff Reporter