On Tuesday, Nov. 8, a small section of the Interstate 74 Bike and Pedestrian Path will be partially closed at 6 a.m. for sensor work, the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation (IDOTs) announced. The walkway will, however, remain open to the public, the agencies said.
To minimize disruption, the work will be contained to a portion of the platform, leaving a five-foot walkway clear and available at all times for cyclists, walkers and joggers, IDOTs said. A construction vehicle with a flashing amber light will be parked on the path during the sensor’s replacement, which is anticipated to take several hours.
“The new bridge was built using state-of-the-art technology to ensure the structure remains in good shape for years to come,” said George Ryan, I-74 Corridor manager. “Sensors installed in the bridge deck, arch and the path transmit data to Iowa DOT so they can monitor the bridge’s performance and address maintenance needs that may not be identified as early without the monitors. Early identification and resolution of maintenance issues will prolong the life of the bridge. We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete this work.”
Specifically, contractors will be replacing one of the bridge’s Structural Health Monitoring System sensors. The sensors are installed on the bike and pedestrian path – as well as the bridge and arches – to monitor stresses, vibrations, corrosion, temperature and other factors. That allows the Iowa DOT to determine when and where maintenance is needed.
Recent inspections revealed that one of the sensors on the path was not working properly and needs to be replaced, a news release from the agencies said.
The sensor replacement is expected to be finished within a day. The public is encouraged to follow for updates at I74RiverBridge.com or on Facebook and Twitter @I74RiverBridge.
Opened in spring 2022, the bike and pedestrian path on the new I-74 bridge is 14-foot wide, ADA accessible, includes a scenic overlook, and connects residents and visitors alike to hundreds of destinations and events on both sides of the Mississippi River. For more information on the project, visit www.I74RiverBridge.com.
