The West End Revitalization (WER) initiative in Rock Island is inviting the community to a discussion focusing on the future of the Centennial Bridge corridor and its potential impacts on the west end neighborhood.
As the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) deadline for public comment nears, WER is hosting a community meeting from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 9th St., for residents, businesses and stakeholders. Organizers want the public to better understand the process and share their concerns, questions and the priorities they believe should be considered as IDOT’s bridge replacement decision moves forward.
Topics will include:
- Overview of the bridge alternatives currently under discussion.
- What is known and what remains uncertain.
- Community questions that have emerged.
- Potential neighborhood impacts and opportunities.
- Information on how to submit public comments.
The IDOT is accepting public comment through Wednesday, June 3. To submit a comment to the plan or for more information on the U.S. 67 Corridor (Centennial Bridge) Project, visit IDOT’s website here.
At a recent public meeting, transportation leaders unveiled what is considered the three finalist options for either repairing or replacing the 85-year-old bridge connecting Davenport and Rock Island. The plan is known as the U.S. 67 Corridor (Centennial Bridge) Project.
IDOT bridge options
Here’s a look at the options recently announced by IDOT:
- Alternative E2: This plan is to build a new bridge slightly west of the current Centennial Bridge. The estimated cost is $237 million. This option will maintain current travel patterns and connectivity between the downtowns. The current bridge will remain open during construction.
- Alternative E7: This plan has a new bridge being built further west of the current bridge to connect 11th Street in Rock Island to Marquette Street in Davenport. The estimated cost is about $295 million. This option requires more changes to the surrounding areas, and more impacts on nearby properties. It also would keep the current span open during construction.
- “No-Build” Alternative: This option centers on leaving the longtime Centennial Bridge in place, and making repairs as needed. Those repairs could be costly and could come frequently “due to the aging infrastructure and ongoing maintenance needs,” according to the IDOT.
The eventual final plan to repair or replace the bridge – or what project planners call the “preferred alternative” – is expected to be announced by the end of summer.
