The Quad Cities is all about bridges: the new, magnificent Interstate 74 bridge; the ill-fated Bison Bridge concept; the lighting of the I-74 bridge; the future of the Interstate 80 bridge; and now the future of the Centennial Bridge connecting Rock Island and Davenport.
Bridges are vitally important to the Quad Cities region because, obviously, it is bisected by the Mississippi River. In order for the region and economy to work together there must be a robust and healthy transportation and bridge system.
Bridges can also be a positive symbol and rallying point for the region like what the new I-74 bridge has become. Not only did the old I-74 bridge need to be replaced, but the new bridge has become a source of pride – almost a piece of art.
The fate of the 85-year-old Centennial Bridge is the latest bridge infrastructure project that is seeking public input.
“Everything is on the table. We just need that push from the community. … The community is going to be living with this (bridge project) for a long time,” said Michael Kuehn, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s studies and plans engineer, during a recent press briefing and public open house seeking input.
The solution – or “preferred alternative” – for improving the bridge is expected to be selected by the spring of 2027. That solution could be building a new bridge at the same place or near where the Centennial Bridge stands or a “no-build” alternative, which means keeping the Centennial in place, but making extensive repairs, according to a QCBJ news report.
Normally, we would like to see historic structures preserved whenever possible, especially ones that can be repurposed, but in this case it makes the most sense to replace it with a new structure. Consider how the new I-74 bridge is helping drive revitalization of riverfront areas of Moline and Bettendorf and helping to refocus attention on the river.
Answering the bridge question is not only vital to improving travel options in the area, but also to benefit the local economy. Denise Bulat, the Bi-State Regional Commission executive director, told the QCBJ the bridge is an “economic corridor for the entire region” that sees more than 22,000 vehicles every day.
The Quad Cities learned during the I-74 bridge replacement effort that it can take a long, long time, especially securing elusive federal funding. Those lessons should not be forgotten with this project, not to mention that the new I-80 bridge will undoubtedly take precedence over the Centennial Bridge.
Let’s focus on working to find the best new bridge concept, one that could become another hallmark for the region and spur more economic activity in Rock Island and Davenport and further connect the two states. And let’s be prepared to be patient.
