Bob Michel Bridge Closure and Rehabilitation Project
Details
- Bridge over Illinois River closed to vehicular traffic Monday, March 13 through Friday, November 17, 2023
- Pedestrian and bicycle access on the bridge will remain open throughout construction
- Project of the Illinois Department of Transportation
Built in 1993, the 30-year-old Bob Michel Bridge over the Illinois River will undergo deck rehabilitation along with improved accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists. The half-mile-long bridge has traffic of 17,500 vehicles per day.
The bridge's new design will remove the sidewalks on each side and consolidate the bike and pedestrian space to the north side, resulting in a 14-foot-wide multi-use path with a concrete barrier wall separating vehicles and the path, providing more safety for all who use the bridge. The new bridge deck will include a concrete overlay and new joints, preserving and extending the life of the deck.
The $24.6 million project is funded by the State of Illinois' Rebuild Illinois capital program.
Learn More About the Project
Read a summary and see the design of the Bob Michel Bridge Rehabilitation Project (PDF).
The Illinois Department of Transportation has a website with details including project timeline and history of the Bob Michel Bridge and the bridges before it. To learn more visit the Illinois Department of Transportation Bob Michel Bridge website.
Traffic Detour
The bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic at the traffic lights at River Road in East Peoria and SW Adams Street in Peoria. The detour route for both eastbound and westbound traffic will take vehicles onto Interstate 74 and cross the Illinois River on the Murray Baker Bridge. The detour route will be marked.
View the Detour Map for the Bob Michel Bridge Rehabilitation Project (PDF).
CityLink Route Adjustments
Adjustments to three CityLink bus routes through East Peoria are necessary during the bridge closure. Learn about the CityLink route adjustments.