The Mississippi River has a new bridge connecting Illinois and Iowa.
The $80.6 million span recently opened and replaces a bridge built in 1932 that will be dismantled in spring. The 20-foot-wide bridge was too narrow, causing safety issues as wider vehicles would overlap the center line markings, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“The new Savanna-Sabula bridge greatly improves safety, better connects our communities and strengthens commerce in an important part of our state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “The new design is modern and eye-catching, but the biggest benefits will be enhanced quality of life and more economic opportunity for a vital gateway into Illinois.”
The new bridge is 40 feet wide and 2,400 feet long with two wider lanes and shoulders; it features a steel-tied arch.