The multi-million dollar project to replace the Interstate 64 bridge over the Wabash River has passed the one-year mark and remains on schedule, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Construction Engineer Ben Wills says weather and river conditions have been favorable, allowing steady progress. “We’ve had good, dry weather and with river conditions it’s been pretty much ideal,” Wills said. “The project’s on schedule. They’ll be moving forward for the next couple years and hopefully open to traffic by fall of 2028.”
Crews have nearly completed demolition of the old westbound bridge and are now focused on building the foundation for the new structure. “There’s 16 piers to build,” Wills explained. “Once those rise out of the water, you’ll start to see the steel framework and bridge deck take shape.”
The $136 million project, part of Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois program, will replace the aging 1967 structure, which has long been plagued by scour issues and deck deterioration. For now, traffic will remain on the eastbound bridge until the new westbound span is finished.
Once complete, the bridge will feature two lanes in both directions with modern 12-foot lanes, wider shoulders, and seismic design updates to meet New Madrid fault zone requirements. The new bridge is designed for a 100-year lifespan.
Demolition of the current eastbound bridge is expected to begin after the new structure opens, with final completion slated for 2029.
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