Drivers in Galesburg will have to spend less time waiting for trains. Today, the city cut the ribbon on Bickerdyke Bridge, which carries traffic over the railroad tracks between Kellog Street and Seminary Street.
Public Works Director Larry Cox says it provides a primary entrance to the downtown area, and easy access to two hospitals.
Cox says the project began 14 months ago, and the bridge was completed faster than anticipated. But, some of the work was postponed because of winter weather.
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He says the Bickerdyke Bridge is named after "Mother" Mary Bickerdyke, who was a nurse during the Civil War and lived in Galesburg.
Next year, the city will start work on an under-pass on East Main Street, another railroad crossing that currently delays traffic in the city.