SPRING VALLEY – It looks like the day could finally come to ride across the new Spring Valley bridge. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the newly constructed Illinois 89 bridge over the Illinois River will be open to traffic Monday, weather permitting. The two-lane bridge connecting Putnam and Bureau counties, will be known as the Illinois Valley Veterans Memorial. The 41 million dollar project began in February of 2016 on a new, wider structure consisting of one lane in each direction. The bridge features eight-foot shoulders designed to enhance safety in the event of vehicle breakdowns as well as to improve access for emergency personnel and first responders. The bridge also allows room for pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the Illinois River, one of the state’s top tourism draws.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, remaining work could be delayed by weather conditions. Workers are currently working on tying in the new roadway to the existing roadway on the north side of the river.
The old Illinois 89 bridge that was constructed in 1943, is scheduled to be demolished this summer.
Motorists should continue to follow all work zone rules, including paying close attention to flaggers and signs, obeying the posted speed limits and staying alert for workers and equipment.
