The I-80 Mississippi River Bridge was built in 1967 and is one of three major interstate bridges connecting Illinois and Iowa in the Quad Cities. Nearly six decades later, recurring maintenance needs, safety concerns and outdated roadway features require a long-term solution.

 

The project covers approximately six miles of I-80, extending from the I-88 interchange in Illinois to 35th Street Southwest in LeClaire, Iowa. Led by the Illinois Department of Transportation in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, the project seeks to provide a safer, more reliable crossing and stronger connections for travelers near and far.

 

Planning began in 2020 with the early planning stage. Over more than five years, the project team worked with residents, businesses, property owners, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify transportation needs, evaluate potential improvements and understand community and environmental impacts. Public feedback received through four public meetings, both online and in-person public hearings, and ongoing stakeholder coordination was critical in shaping and refining the improvement plan.

 

The planning phase concluded in late 2025 with a Selected Alternative. The plan will replace the existing bridge with two new structures, one for each direction of travel. A new bridge will first be built immediately west of the existing bridge. Traffic will then shift to the new structure while the existing bridge is removed and replaced. Maintenance of traffic remains a consistent priority.

 

The Selected Alternative also includes improvements to the I-80 and I-88 interchange, minor ramp modifications at the former Illinois 2 interchange and a new multi-use path across the Mississippi River. Construction staging will allow traffic to continue using I-80 as the new crossing takes shape.

 

The project has now advanced into the Final Design phase. During this time, the project team will refine the bridge and roadway plans and multi-use path, drainage, lighting and traffic operations. Work will also include utility coordination, environmental permitting, property identification, cost estimates and construction staging.

 

The Final Design phase is expected to result in construction-ready plans, with construction to begin in 2028.