EAST PEORIA, Ill. — East Peoria residents got their first look at the Cedar Street Bridge replacement project.
A public hearing was held Tuesday night at the Festival Building to give residents a chance to speak with officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The bridge of Tazewell & Peoria Railroad was constructed in 1966 with the latest rehabilitation touch-up in 2005.
The bridge over Main Street was constructed in 1963. Structural rehab work was done in 1987 and it was painted in 2008.
IDOT officials say the purpose of the project is to enhance safety and improve the mobility of traffic.
The state plans to acquire land for the project, which includes nine homes.
Karen Devorsky, Program Development Engineer with IDOT, says it is just about time to replace the two bridges.
“We know the structures need to be replaced. We are just planning ahead,” said Devorksy. “We also made sure this project didn’t coincide with the Murray Baker Bridge shutdown.”
Devorksy estimates the bridge will be shutdown for two years, possibly beginning in 2022.
