The State of Illinois has serious financial problems with proposed across-the-board deep cuts, but Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is fulfilling its promise to implement a new bridge over French Creek. Traffic headed out of Morrison, IL, south on IL Route 78, should be prepared to take turns on the one lane that is open during construction.
Preparations for the bridge and walking/bike path began fall 2014, under direction of Civil Constructors. Work resumed in March 2015, according to City of Morrison Director of Public Services, Gary Tresenriter.
IDOT Engineer Shane Jacobs, Morrison, stated on Thursday, April 9, the project should be completed at the end of October.
The bridge will have a standard concrete safety wall on the west side of the highway with a walking/bike path. Originating at the south end by MIT, 701 Portland Avenue, the path will allow safe access across the water, to French Creek Park, and into the City.
A blacktopped path will extend beyond the bridge until it is even with the entrance to the park. A portion of the cost of this “extension” from the bridge will be funded by the City of Morrison.
The walking/bike path will end on the west side of Route 78 and be continued on the east, connecting with the current City sidewalk heading north into town. The park entrance is visible at the left in the photo below.
Additionally, the new path will connect to that portion of the French Creek Park walking path that parallels the highway, heading south to the creek.
Those enjoying the French Creek walking/bike path will have an excellent view of IDOT’s progress during the next seven months.
