EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Upgrades to the Bob Michel Bridge, including a new bicycle and pedestrian path, have risen to almost $22.3 million, according to documents from the City of East Peoria.
The initial estimate was $19 million, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation following last December’s public meeting about the project at East Peoria City Hall.
25 News reports East Peoria’s City Council Tuesday night is expected to review a proposed funding agreement with IDOT in which the local government will pay no more than about $26,000, covering the cost of modernizing traffic signals at the foot of the bridge.
Built almost 30 years ago, the Bob Michel Bridge carries traffic on Illinois Route 40 over the Illinois River.
The project is mainly funded by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. Also planned are bridge deck resurfacing and an additional concrete barrier to improve safety.
East Peoria City Council is not expected to take final action on the funding agreement Tuesday night. It will be placed on file for public inspection, according to the council agenda.
(Illinois Department of Transportation)
