Government

Helm Crews Continue to Tear Down Old Twin Bridges

WVIK, Quad Cities NPR | By Michelle O'Neill

Published December 5, 2022 at 4:27 PM CST

Westward aerial view of the old I-74 bridge (L, foreground) with the new bridge (R)

The demolition of the old I-74 bridge is going well and will continue through the cold winter months.

Helm Group, also known as Civil Constructors, is the contractor for the $23 million project.

George Ryan is the Corridor Manager for the entire I-74 improvement project. He says Helm will turn the old concrete into rubble to use for future projects. And it will sell the all the steel which will be recycled.

Screenshot shows Pier K in black which will not be demolished or removed with the rest of the old, I-74 bridge shown in blue and red. Part of the new bridge is also shown near the bottom of the photo.

Ryan also says Helm will not tear down Pier K in the Sylvan Slough because of mussel beds in the Mississippi River. It's located at the south end of the old, I-74 bridge near the Moline shoreline and former Kone tower and building.

Other work that will begin next year includes construction of an elevator in Bettendorf and sections of the recreational trail to the new, I-74 bridge pedestrian and bike path.

Ryan says demolition of the old twin bridges won't be complete until mid-2024.