Editor’s note: This report was submitted by Dan Eyrich, Owner of aroundprophetstown.com.
The IL Route 78 bridge over the Rock River, just north of Prophetstown, IL, will undergo a facelift beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, weather permitting. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of August. Civil Constructors will execute the $857,000 project, which includes repairs to the bridge deck surface. Expansion joints will be replaced as part of the rehabilitation project.
For the duration of the project, the bridge will be reduced to one lane utilizing temporary traffic signals. It will be posted with maximum width signs of 15 ft. 6″ but will have a 17 ft. 0″ clear opening across the bridge.
The project was delayed by two months to minimize impacts to the planting season.
Any further delay in starting the project would have increased the chance of negatively impacting the harvest season.
Agricultural equipment and implements wider than 17 feet will need to find an alternate route or be staged to minimize adverse travel.
The bridge will be reduced to one lane during the three month project.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through the construction zone.
IDOT urges drivers to
- pay close attention to changing lane conditions and signs in the work zones
- obey the posted speed limits
- refrain from using mobile devices
- be alert for workers and equipment.
For IDOT District 2 updates on Twitter, follow them at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s Traveler Information Map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.