CATEGORY: C - Structural Systems

CLIENT/OWNER: Illinois Department of Transportation, District Four

SUBMITTING FIRM: Ciorba Group, Inc.

KEY PARTICIPANTS: IDOT District 4, Ciorba Group, Inc., Collins Engineers, Inc., Hermann & Associates, Inc., Prairie Engineers, PC, Images, Inc., ICC Group

DESCRIPTION: The Bob Michel Bridge is one of six bridges that crosses the Illinois River in the Peoria metro region, connecting Peoria and Tazewell counties. It is currently the only bridge over the Illinois River that can accommodate pedestrian and bicyclist traffic between Peoria and East Peoria, making this a significant crossing for the community. The project goal was to extend the life of the bridge and provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. The final design was completed for the reconfiguration of the bridge to add a barrier separated 14-foot-wide multi-use path to one side of the bridge. This project was a result of the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Combining the needed bridge maintenance with regional interest to improve the pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on the bridge, the Bob Michel project is a great asset to the multi-modal transportation system in the greater Peoria Area. The project required extensive local public agency involvement. The bridge was successfully reopened to traffic after just one construction season in December 2023.