Initiated by the Illinois Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Transportation and under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration, the US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor Project is an early-stage transportation study. The study brings communities together to examine environmental, community and economic factors tied to the area’s transportation network and identify potential improvements.

The 85-year-old bridge needs frequent, costly maintenance. The study will explore the best solution for the addressing the future of the US 67 Corridor including an improved river crossing.

There will be a number of factors involved in determining need. These factors could include, but are not limited to:

• Mobility (congestion, service levels, travel times, travel speeds, reliability, etc.)

• Accessibility (access to jobs, activity centers, inter-modal facilities, etc.)

• System Connectivity (regional facilities, through trips, etc.)

• Safety (crashes, consistency with current highway design standards, etc.)

The US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor Project will advance under guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which is federal law that ensures projects consider their impacts to the natural, social and built environments. The purpose of NEPA is to ensure that environmental factors are weighed equally when compared to other factors in the decision-making process. For Federal Funding Eligibility, NEPA compliance is required.

Phases of projects:

• Phase I (Planning): Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Studies—WE ARE HERE

• Phase II (Design): Final Design & Contract Plan Preparation

• Phase III: Construction

The US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor Project is in NEPA Phase I: Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Studies. This phase includes: data collection, identification of transportation issues and concerns, development of alternatives, identification and development of the preferred alternative, and a final report.

Currently, the project team is gathering data and examining existing conditions. With stakeholder input, a project purpose and need will be developed to guide the development of proposed improvements. The next step is to then seek public input to gather community experiences, insights, concerns, and needs. Once established, the purpose and need will serve as a foundation to identify, evaluate and narrow potential improvement alternatives for public review.

Phase I will conclude with a final improvement plan (Preferred Alternative) submitted to the federal government for review and approval to move into the design phase of the project (Phase II).

Approximately 22,400 vehicles cross the Centennial Bridge daily.

We want to hear from you! There are many ways to stay in the loop and share your thoughts. From public meetings to project news sent straight to your inbox, discover ways to get involved on our Get Involved tab. Your input will help shape the future of the US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor Project!