Driving through downtown Moline will be more difficult for the next few weeks. Beginning on Wednesday, River Drive will be closed in both directions between 23rd Street and 19th Street. Contractors will set girders over River Drive for the new I-74 bridge.
J.D. Schulte, Public Works Director for Moline, says construction will not get in the way of one of Moline's biggest events.
"One of the biggest events that we're happy to host in Moline is the Quad Cities Marathon, and that's coming up on the 23rd. So that's one of the key compnents of us ending this complete closure, and having this next stage of construction done by the 21st."
Before River Drive closes, one lane on eastbound 7th Avenue will re-open so motorists will have full access to the I-74 ramps.
"We want our motorists, we want our businesses, and we want the residents of moline to just know, in advance, of what to expect. We know that we're introducing challenges as the federal highway brings this new addition through the corridor."
River Drive should re-open by Friday, September 21st.
The bridge project is about one-third of the way finished, and is expected to be completed in two years. Drivers are encouraged to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit, and watch for construction signs in the work area.