FAQ's

GENERAL

Why is the reconstruction of the eastbound McClugage Bridge necessary?

After more than 70 years of service to the Peoria Metro Area, the existing eastbound McClugage Bridge is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, will not be able to accommodate future 2040 traffic projections and is nearing the end of its expected service life. Replacement of the existing structure is required to address the aging condition, underlying deficiencies and traffic capacity issues.

What can bridge travelers expect from the new structure?

Beyond structural security, the new bridge will increase capacity, relieve congestion, provide lane shoulders to improve safety and include a multi-use lane for pedestrians and cyclists.

What about the westbound McClugage?

A new three-lane bridge was constructed immediately north of the original McClugage Bridge in 1982, and designated for westbound traffic. Less than half the age of the original McClugage, the westbound bridge will continue serving the region along with the newly constructed eastbound structure.

How much will the project cost and how is it being funded?

The project’s construction cost is approximately $167 million. The funding comes from the “Major Bridge Funds” for Illinois and is already funded as part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Program (2015-2020).

What is the timeframe for the project?

The project began in early 2014 with the environmental study process that is required by the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It is anticipated that construction of the eastbound McClugage Bridge will be complete in 2023.

What is the point of the multi-use bridge lane?

A 14-foot multi-use path was included in the project design to provide safe and convenient travel and enjoyment for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. The structure also includes a pedestrian overlook that extrudes from the multi-use lane, allowing visitors to step out over the Illinois River.

What is the environmental impact of the new bridge?

The project followed the National Environmental Policy Act study process, which is the most comprehensive mechanism available for assessing environmental impact. In September, 2017, the Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed construction of the eastbound structure.

QUESTIONS REGARDING DEMOLITION

Why does the bridge need to be demolished, can’t it be saved and be utilized used for something else?

After 70 years of serving Peoria area motorists, the existing bridge has numerous structurally compromised components that make keeping it in service in any manner cost prohibitive. Access to the bridge would also be a challenge as it is sandwiched between two very busy roads with no major destinations on either side of the river.

When (Time & Dates) will each of the implosions occur?

All blasts are scheduled for approximately 10:00 am. The tentative dates for each event are as follows:

Blast 1 –March 27

Blast 2 – Week of April 7

Blast 3 – Week of April 14

Blast 4 – Week of April 21

Blast 5 – Week of May 26

Blast 6 – Week of June 9

One week prior to the actual date decided upon, a press release will be issued specifying the specific date.

Is the media allowed to fly a drone during the implosion(s)? If yes, what rules have to be followed?

Yes. Civilian drones must stay 1,000 feet north of the bridge and 300 feet high.

What sections of the bridge will be imploded?

Blast 1 – Steel girders on the east end of the bridge

Blast 2 – Main truss section

Blast 3 – Deck truss sections each side of the main truss

Blast 4 – Remaining steel girders on the east side of the bridge.

Blast 5 – Piers 11 & 12 (Peoria side of the channel)

Blast 6 – Pier 13 (East Peoria side of the channel)

Approximately how long will each implosion last?

The actual implosion will last only seconds, however, the road closures will be in effect for up to one hour as post-blast inspection and verification takes place.

What safety precautions have to be taken by the contractor doing the implosions and by IDOT? (River channel closed, certain distance to stay away from the implosion areas?)

The river channel will be closed during each blast as will a perimeter of approximately 1000 feet around the blasting area. During the main truss demolition, the navigation channel will be closed for up to 48 hours as debris cleanup occurs.

Will the media be able and allowed to photograph/video record the implosions? If so, where does the media need to go and what precautions, if any, do reporters and/or photographers/videographers have to take? (Sign a waiver, hard hat, boots, etc.?)

Media is welcome to document all of the blasts but are required to remain outside the security perimeter.

What type of explosives will be used for each blast?

When blasting the steel, the contractor will use linear shape charges to “cut” the steel in precise locations.

What happens to the pieces/debris of the bridge after they’re demolished?

All debris will be cleaned up. The concrete and steel are both being taken to be recycled. Some remnants of the bridge will be salvaged and used as monuments in the parking lots on each of the bridge and the belvedere in the center.

Are there any environmental concerns? What’s being done to prevent any debris having a negative impact on the environment?

The river will be scanned before and after each demolition event in order to verify all debris has been removed.

From what time to what time will the bridge be closed to traffic on each day of the implosions?

The intended closure times start shortly before 10:00 am and should only last one hour.

What detour route should motorists take?

No signed detour will be provided as the duration of the closures is fairly short. It is recommended that should a person need to cross the river while US 150 is closed, they should use either IL 29 or IL 116 and cross via the Murray Baker Bridge or Bob Michel Bridge and allow extra travel time.

Where can the public watch the implosions?

The public is welcome to watch from anywhere outside the security perimeter. Please be mindful or watching from private property without property owner consent.

Will the ospreys/osprey nest be impacted by any of the implosions?

Much of the osprey nest was removed in August of 2024 by a high-wind weather event. Should the osprey return prior to the steel superstructure being removed, the birds will not be allowed to build a nest on the existing Eastbound structure. The reason for this being the safety of the birds. The contractors on site have had to deal with this throughout construction where the birds would attempt to build nests in the booms of the cranes on site. The partial nests were removed, and the birds found elsewhere to nest. There is no option of moving or creating a nest for any returning osprey.

When the did McClugage Bridge project start?

Construction began in late September 2019.

When did the new eastbound McClugage Bridge open?

The new eastbound bridge opened Thursday, December 19. (Basically, 30 feet of the 50 foot of bridge width) Traffic on the new bridge was configured such that Eastbound US 150 remained one lane as traffic approaches the bridge. Northbound IL 29 will access the bridge from the new ramp and Southbound IL 29 traffic’s access will remain unchanged. Across the bridge there will be two through lanes. The exit to Southbound IL 116 will remain open.

There is still work to be done to complete the eastbound bridge over Adams Street (This couldn’t be completed before the new bridge opened because traffic needs to use it.),as well as some other miscellaneous roadway work that cannot be completed until the new bridge opens.

When will the multi-use path be open?

We estimate mid-to-late summer 2025.

What about work on the Westbound McClugage Bridge?

That project is expected to go to letting in early summer of 2025. There may be lane closures in 2025 as preparatory work occurs on the project. The full closure of the Westbound bridge is currently set to happen in early 2026. At that time all traffic will be shifted onto the new Eastbound bridge with two lanes in each direction. This traffic shift is expected to remain in place until late-Summer 2027.

What’s the total cost of the project?

The cost of the project is $167 million and the funding comes from the “Major Bridge Funds” for Illinois.

What are the benefits of this project?

The new, modernized eastbound McClugage Bridge will improve the traveling experience for everyone who uses it – not only for existing needs, but future ones as well. The new structure 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.

Why was this project necessary?

After serving the Peoria area for more than seven decades and carrying more than 41,500 vehicle trips a day, the existing eastbound McClugage Bridge is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete and wouldn’t be able to accommodate future 2040 traffic projections and is nearing the end of its expected service life. Replacement of the existing structure is required to address the aging condition, underlying deficiencies, and traffic capacity issues.

Is the project on schedule? If no, why?

The project is slightly behind the revised completion date, but as weather turns nicer, the hope is that work will ramp up and steps will be taken to get the project done by late summer.

Will anything be done on the Westbound McClugage Bridge?

Yes. Upon completion of the Eastbound work, the westbound McClugage will undergo a major rehabilitation consisting of repairs, painting, and a new deck. In 1982 it was designated for westbound traffic. The westbound McClugage is less than half the age of the original McClugage and the westbound bridge will continue serving the region along with the newly constructed eastbound structure. The new deck and steel repairs should add approximately 40 years to the life of the bridge. Painting and other general maintenance of the expansion joints and bearings would likely have to occur within 20 to 25 years of this major rehab.

What are some of the highlights of work that remains to be completed on the new EB bridge project?

Demolition of the existing Eastbound bridge over the Illinois River.
Demolition of the US 150 bridge over Adams St (IL 29).
Construction of the remainder of the bridge over Adams St.
Construction of the remaining lanes of traffic on US 150 on the East Peoria side of the Illinois River.
Multiuse path and parking lot construction on both sides of the river.
Touch-up painting to the arch.
Parapet protective coating paint on the new Eastbound bridge.
General cleanup, landscaping, and removal of the trestle bridge.

Is it true there’s some new osprey nest/nests on the McClugage Bridge? What will IDOT do?

"We will carefully remove the sticks that are currently on the southeast corner of the bridge on the old McClugage Bridge truss. As long as there are no eggs or hatchlings present, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines allow us to remove the sticks.”