At 85 years old, the Centennial Bridge is a Quad Cities treasure – but the aging structure requires frequent and costly repairs. The Illinois Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation, are working together on a long-term plan for the future of the US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor. The first phase of this project will assess the bridge’s condition, explore solutions, identify options for an improved river crossing. The goal will be to determine the best path forward, prioritizing safety, accessibility, design, community needs, and environmental impacts. The study limits extend from 5th Street in Davenport to 7th Avenue in Rock Island.

 

Improvements to the corridor will be determined in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA guides federally funded projects that require a federal permit to lessen potential impacts to the environment. IDOT is required to evaluate alternative ways of accomplishing and meeting study needs. They will assess the natural, built, and human environment to determine the extent of impacts that may arise from constructing and operating a project. Environmental factors such as cultural resources, neighborhoods, socioeconomics, parks/recreation areas, air quality, wildlife, vegetation, water quality, and wetlands will be assessed. The process calls for continuous environmental evaluations as alternatives are developed and analyzed.