December 18, 2019 – George Ryan, P.E. I-74 Corridor Manager, provided an overview on the status of the I-74 Bridge Corridor Project. He reviewed the progress of the various contractors on all projects that had been let for bid and information regarding future lettings.

There have been multiple challenges to the work, and a task force has been developed to minimize potential future delays. Some of the challenges have included stabilizing the abutments in Moline, settlement time for the westbound viaduct in Bettendorf, and the arch construction. The solutions involved ground improvement elements used to reinforce weak soils, steps to minimize settlement time for the viaduct, pre‐assembly of the floor system, advanced deck pours, and moving completion of non‐essential tasks and finishing items until after the bridge is open.

In Iowa, the contractors have been working on the westbound viaduct and associated structures. In Illinois, the contractors have been working on the I-74 mainline both north and south of 7th Avenue and continuing the arch assembly and preassembling the bridge deck.

A public meeting was held December 11, 2019 to review new traffic patterns for the project. The revised traffic patterns are proposed to reduce project delays that will in turn reduce the duration of local road congestion. This will also allow contractors to start reconstructing eastbound I-74 lanes. In the spring, eastbound local Interstate 74 traffic will be shifted off the Interstate at the 7th Avenue exit in Moline to 19th Street, and will reenter I-74 via the Avenue of the Cities ramp.

Mr. Ryan also stated the project team continues to meet with municipalities, Bi-State, and emergency response teams on a regular basis. The project continues to receive a large number of positive media coverage as well as attention on social media and the project website.