MADISON COUNTY — The Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation were joined by local leaders and industry partners today to cut the ribbon on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks twin bridges crossing the Mississippi River, the centerpiece of a combined $531.6 million investment to improve safety and mobility while creating jobs and economic opportunity along a critical freight and travel corridor. The bridges are the latest achievement made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is delivering billions of dollars in major projects across the state this fall.
“Illinois is the gateway to the world — representing one of the most important commerce hubs in the country. Whether it’s workers making their commute or delivery drivers moving freight, Illinoisians deserve a safe and reliable system to get where they need to go,” said Gov. Pritzker. “With the completion of the I-270 Mississippi River Bridge, we are creating better paying jobs, expanding access to regional travel and spurring economic growth for communities across the state.”
Construction of the bridges has been overseen by IDOT, with the $496.2 million cost shared between Illinois and Missouri. Gov. Pritzker led the groundbreaking for the new bridges in 2023, with the eastbound span opening in late 2024. A companion $35.4 million MoDOT project is reconstructing the Riverview Drive interchange just west of the bridge.
The new westbound bridge is anticipated to open Monday, Nov. 16. The bridges initially will carry two lanes in each direction over the river. The overall project will be finalized with median work, guardrail installation, and painting of girders and beams next construction season, when the corridor will open to three lanes in each direction…