Prairie State Wire

Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, along with officials from Missouri and their respective transportation departments, marked the beginning of construction on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge. This project is part of a $531.6 million initiative aimed at enhancing a critical freight corridor in the United States. The funding for this endeavor comes from Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"This isn't just an investment for the Metro East region — it's an investment for our entire nation," stated Governor JB Pritzker. He emphasized the bridge's role in maintaining supply chains for both Illinoisans and Missourians.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted the bridge's importance as a "vital transportation asset" between Metro East and St. Louis. She added, "This new development is an indicator that Illinois is working towards the future of all of our residents while putting our region at the forefront in transportation."

The current I-270 loop serves numerous industrial sites and accommodates significant daily traffic, including a substantial number of trucks. The existing bridge structure has become outdated since its construction in 1966, necessitating frequent repairs.

The $496.2 million project by IDOT and MoDOT will replace the old bridge with two new structures featuring wider shoulders to support potential expansion to three lanes each way. Additionally, a $35.4 million MoDOT project will reconstruct the Riverview Drive interchange.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson noted, "The I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge represents the great partnership between Missouri and Illinois investing in this vital freight corridor."

Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) stressed the necessity of replacing the bridges due to increased traffic volumes since their initial construction.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman remarked on Rebuild Illinois' impact: "Thanks to Gov. Pritzker's vision and the support of the General Assembly... transformational projects are completed or underway in every part of the state."

Rebuild Illinois plans to invest $33.2 billion over six years into improving state infrastructure across various modes of transportation, with significant accomplishments already achieved through March 2023.

Construction on this particular project began last winter and is expected to conclude by 2026.