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Progress on Track for New Iowa-bound I-74 Bridge

submitted
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I-74 Mississippi River Bridge project
Final concrete deck pour, Iowa-bound arch, Sept. 14, 2020

Crews have completed pouring concrete for the new, Iowa-bound, I-74 bridge deck.

Jay Pearce reports huge sections of the Illinois-bound bridge arch are going up a lot faster, compared to the other side last year. 

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
George Ryan, Corridor Project Manager for construction of the new I-74 bridge and highway (file)

Corridor Manager, George Ryan, says the Illinois-bound bridge is more complicated because it will feature a recreational trail and viewing area.

Civil Constructors won the latest contract to build the east-bound viaduct in Bettendorf.

Currently, 200 to 250 people are building the I-74 bridge and eight miles of interstate on both sides of the Mississippi River.

Later, when work starts on the Bettendorf viaduct, Ryan says the number of workers will jump to 300 or more.

The goal is to open the Iowa-bound bridge to traffic by the end of the year. The project team plans for the Illinois-bound bridge to open to traffic before the end of 2021. 

Construction of the $1.2 billion project began more than three years ago.

Credit submitted / I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project
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I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project
Workers pour concrete for the Iowa-bound bridge deck, August 27th, 2020
Credit submitted / I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project
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I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project
Iowa-bound bridge, concrete pour, August 27th, 2020

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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