Construction has started on Interstate 270 to replace the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River. The project aims to put up twin bridges to help improve freight transportation.
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The current bridge over the river was built in 1966. It has two lanes in each direction and narrow, one-foot shoulders that present a safety risk for emergency vehicles and first responders. The bridge carries 51,000 cars each day. 20% of these vehicles are trucks, and due to their age, frequently need maintenance and repairs.
Implementation of the project
Two structures will replace the bridge with broader shoulders as part of the $496.2 million joint IDOT–MoDOT project. This will allow for the ultimate expansion of I-270 to three lanes in each direction. Just west of the bridge, a $35.4 million companion project by the Missouri Department of Transportation will rebuild the Riverview Drive interchange.
Missouri and Illinois are also coordinating long-term proposals to create a third lane in each direction on I-270 that goes as far east as Illinois 157. Rebuild Illinois provided $75 million to IDOT’s current multiyear upgrade program for a new lane between the river and just east of St. Thomas Road, a project that also entails rebuilding the Illinois 3 intersection.
Comments on the Interstate 270 bridge over the Mississippi River
“This is an investment not just for the Metro East region, but for the entire country. At a ceremony to kick off the project, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker remarked, “This major freight corridor connects our ports and railways, essential to maintaining a steady supply chain for Illinoisans, Missourians, and all Americans alike.”
“The I-270 Chain of Rocks bridge symbolizes the outstanding cooperation between Illinois and Missouri in investing in this crucial freight corridor connecting I-270 to I-70.” In addition, I-70 will receive historic upgrades all over the state, according to Governor Mike Parson.
