SCOTT: Florence Bridge still on delay
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By BETH ZUMWALT
Submitted graphic
Construction of a new bridge carrying U.S. 106 over the Illinois River at Florence has been delayed again. It was originally thought construction might start in 2024, but was delayed to 2025. Now a second delay has moved the project to next year. The new bridge has been recommended to be built 300-feet south of the current structure. The new bridge will include wider traffic lanes and shoulders which will improve safety for motorists and better accommodate farm implements and bicyclists. The new bridge will also increase the width and vertical clearance of the river navigation span which will improve safety for river traffic and eliminate the need for around the clock lift operators. The rendering of the planned bridge shown here was released by IDOT last spring.
Construction of a new bridge carrying U.S. 106 over the Illinois River at Florence has been delayed again.
“The Florence Bridge replacement project has been delayed,” Paul Wapell, public information officer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, said. “Land acquisition and permitting activities are nearing completion.”
Land acquisition and permitting activities have taken longer than anticipated. They’re nearing completion.
Rappel said IDOT was hopeful to advertise the project for bid early in 2026.
Studies and plans to replace the nearly 100 year-old, lift-span bridge have been underway since 2016.
The Illinois 100/106, Florence Bridge, River Crossing Study was started in April 2016, and was initially anticipated to take three years to complete. This study represents the Phase I, planning portion of the project, which provides preliminary engineering and environmental impact evaluation to guide the project in future phases of work. Phase I studies are now scheduled for completion in fall 2021. The replacement of the Florence Bridge is included in IDOT’s FY 2023-2028 Highway Improvement Program which includes funding for preliminary and construction engineering, archeology surveys, land acquisition, utility relocations and construction.
It was originally thought construction might start in 2024, but was delayed to 2025. Now a second delay has moved the project to next year.
The new bridge has been recommended to be built 300-feet south of the current structure. The new bridge will include wider traffic lanes and shoulders which will improve safety for motorists and better accommodate farm implements and bicyclists. The new bridge will also increase the width and vertical clearance of the river navigation span which will improve safety for river traffic and eliminate the need for around the clock lift operators.
According to records at the Pike County Clerk’s office, several Pike County landowners have reached agreements with the state and have sold the necessary property for the project.
