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IDOT, Iowa DOT outline US‑67/Centennial Bridge study, public meetings set for April
Summary
Illinois and Iowa departments of transportation and consultant Parsons described a multi‑phase NEPA study of the US‑67 Centennial Bridge corridor, said alternatives could include rehabilitation or replacement, noted historic‑resource constraints under Section 106/4(f), and announced a first public meeting on April 17.
Illinois and Iowa transportation officials and their consultant presented the US‑67 corridor (Centennial Bridge) study to the Rock Island City Council, describing study phases, how alternatives will be evaluated and plans for public outreach.
Michael Keane of the Illinois Department of Transportation said the project is a multi‑phase study: phase 1 will cover preliminary engineering and environmental analysis, phase 2 final design and right‑of‑way, and phase 3 construction. Keane said the project is in the multiyear program and that funding would likely be split about 50/50 between Illinois and Iowa with the majority of construction funds coming from the federal government.
Parsons and IDOT described the study approach under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The presenters said phase 1 work will include development of a purpose‑and‑need statement, identification of deficiencies in the corridor, and the creation and screening of alternatives. They noted that early parts of the NEPA process were expected to take 5–6 months but also cited a broader 30‑month identification period for phase 1 activities to fully develop alternatives and agency coordination.
The study area was described as focused on the vicinity of the existing Centennial Bridge (not extending past the Crescent or Arsenal bridges), and alternatives could locate a replacement bridge either in the current alignment or up‑ or downriver. The team said they will evaluate social, economic and environmental impacts, including effects on historic properties, parks and natural resources.
Tony Pekeltas of Parsons, the environmental lead, said the Centennial Bridge itself is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and that the study must follow Section 106 and Section 4(f) requirements to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to historic resources and parks. Pekeltas also said pedestrian and bicycle accommodations will be evaluated and that the study will examine existing multimodal facilities and path usage across the current bridge.
During council questions, Keane said maintaining the existing bridge in a safe, functional condition is a priority while the study proceeds and that IDOT conducts yearly inspections and interim repairs as needed. He confirmed that a previously planned repainting (about $6,000,000) was put on hold while the study determines a long‑term direction for the structure, and he described paint chipping as cosmetic rather than structural.
Keane encouraged local input about potential economic impacts and community priorities, noting NEPA requires assessment of adjacent property and resource impacts but does not assign specific dollar figures for city revenue losses. The project team said they plan four public meetings (first is April 17), to launch a project website and to form community and technical advisory groups to gather local feedback. The public hearing will follow once a preferred alternative is selected.
No decisions were made at the study session; the presenters asked for public engagement in the coming months as the team develops and refines alternatives.
