PLAN AHEAD: Ramp Closure
Continues at McClugage
The Illinois Department of Transportation reminds motorists that the ramp from northbound Adams Street (Illinois 29) to eastbound War Memorial Drive (US 150) remains closed to allow for its removal as part of the McClugage Bridge project.
Motorists wanting to use eastbound War Memorial from northbound Adams Street will turn left at the newly installed signal at the intersection (see map).
This traffic pattern will remain in place until the opening of the new McClugage Bridge, which is expected in Fall of 2024 with demolition going into 2025.
Arching into History
Signature arch placed on new eastbound McClugage
McClugage Bridge history was made in Peoria at the close of 2023, as crews successfully floated and lifted a signature 7-million pound arch onto the new eastbound structure, reaching a major milestone for the project and signaling the final stretch of construction for the Illinois River crossing.
After constructing the arch roughly 300 yards from the bridge, crews began the move in the early morning hours Tuesday, December 19. The process required great precision and involved floating the 652-foot-wide by 130-foot-long-high arch on barges and tugboats to move it to the bridge piers. Once near the piers, cables and winches were used to position the massive section. When the arch was correctly positioned, water was pumped into the barges to weigh them down and lower the arch into its final location.
The arch is believed to be the tallest object moved by tugboats on the Illinois River.
Check out our progress!
What's next?
With the arch successfully positioned, some finishing touches still remain for the eastbound McClugage, including setting the remaining beams, perfecting the bridge deck, parapets, and barrier wall, and ensuring the seamless reconstruction of the bridge over IL 29. At the same time, additional project features are underway, including multi-use paths, trailhead parking lots, fresh pavement on the East Peoria side, and the installation of highway lighting on the bridge. And the final act? The removal of the existing eastbound bridge.
Stay tuned and in the know by visiting McClugageBridge.com and subscribing for email updates!
WHAT?
After more than 70 years of serving the Peoria metro area, the eastbound McClugage Bridge will be removed and replaced with a new structure to meet the region’s transportation needs. Potential alternatives for a new bridge were examined and public comments were considered in the initial phases of the project, allowing construction to begin in the Spring of 2019.
WHY?
In order to improve capacity, increase safety and reduce travel times, the new McClugage Bridge will replace the existing structure. Continuing IDOTs focus on improving multimodal capabilities and strengthening the traveling experience, the new bridge will include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The new McClugage bridge is expected to be completed in 2023.
Did you
know?
The new eastbound McClugage Bridge will improve the traveling experience for all who cross – not only for existing needs, but future ones as well. The new structure, more than twice the width of the old bridge, will increase capacity by adding a third lane and shoulders, improve safety, reduce travel times and ensure additional multimodal access with bike and pedestrian accommodations.
