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[edwaleni]

For anyone who wants to virtually experience the Wabash Cannonball Bridge, here you go.

[kphoger]

It looks like IDOT is on the hook until 2030. Many of the articles in 2009 were in the Lawrence Daily Record in Lawrenceville and are no longer available.

From Boomer Magazine:

https://boomermagonline.com/?p=2544

After going unused for a few decades, the wooden bridge found new life, apparently some time between 1960 and 1970, when it was purchased by a farmer, Frank Stangle, and his family. The family made minimal changes, before opening the “Stangle Bridge” as a toll bridge. As is still the case today, farm trucks were frequent to utilize the structure, and it also provided a shortcut for those from St. Francisville who worked in the Vincennes area and vise versa.

Stangle and his family left original railroad ties in place and running planks for cars were installed. The rails were removed from the deck, but were used for a different purpose — as the guard rail that was added to each side.

The toll bridge served its purpose for many years, but the Stangle family eventually reached an agreement to sell the historic structure to the Village of St. Francisville.

The only problem was, St. Francisville didn’t have the necessary $60,000 to complete the purchase. That didn’t stop a group of good citizens of the village from banding together, holding frequent fish frys, festivals and other fund-raisers to scrape together the money. Eventually, the village was able to make the purchase in 1995.

It was only a matter of time before the state of Illinois became interested in owning the bridge, and in 2009 the Illinois Department of Transportation took the structure over. The IDOT promised funding for the bridge for 20 years, according to published reports. Much of the revenue the bridge produces is used for expensive inspections, which reportedly occur on a bi-annual basis.

While at one time there was a ferry boat to take travelers from one side of the Wabash to the other, the bridge has always been a popular option. In 2011, it was estimated that 800 vehicles crossed the bridge on a daily basis. Today, it’s said that 600 vehicles make the trip each day.

The toll booth, located on the Illinois side of the Wabash, opens each day at 4 a.m. The booth closes at 9 p.m. throughout the week, and at 11 p.m. each Friday and Saturday night. So, depending upon the day, travelers have a few hours during which they can cross back and forth free of charge.

It should be noted that because Indiana is in the Eastern time zone and Illinois is in the Central, bridge crossers will invariably either gain or lose an hour on their trip. If someone crosses from Indiana at 2 p.m., for example, he’ll arrive in St. Francisville at just a few minutes after 1.

Yeah, Boomer Magazine was as close as I could come to a "real article" about the sale.  Bridgehunter.com also made reference to the 2009 sale.  For those interested, the comments there include one by the daughter of the man who actually purchased the r/o/w and converted it from rails to road, as well as one by the grandson of the ferry operator who was put out of business.

[I-39]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

[edwaleni]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

I believe this was included in the new IDOT spending plan that just came out.

[I-39]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

I believe this was included in the new IDOT spending plan that just came out.

But will it actually happen this time? They've been talking about it forever, but I can't seem to find the project info online anymore.

[cwm1276]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

I believe this was included in the new IDOT spending plan that just came out.

But will it actually happen this time? They've been talking about it forever, but I can't seem to find the project info online anymore.

It is in the multi year plan and the Perryville Rd bridge is scheduled sooner and was being planned to accommodate the expansion.  That news was a year ago, I thought they might replace that bridge this year.
I figure the rest is at least a few years out, as the current re-surfacing project will make the road smoother for a couple of years.  In few places they are replacing the entire pavement, like under  Perryville Rd.

[ET21]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

I believe this was included in the new IDOT spending plan that just came out.

But will it actually happen this time? They've been talking about it forever, but I can't seem to find the project info online anymore.

It is in the multi year plan and the Perryville Rd bridge is scheduled sooner and was being planned to accommodate the expansion.  That news was a year ago, I thought they might replace that bridge this year.
I figure the rest is at least a few years out, as the current re-surfacing project will make the road smoother for a couple of years.  In few places they are replacing the entire pavement, like under  Perryville Rd.

I think they are also waiting for the interchange improvements on 20 to be completed to the west

[cwm1276]

Whatever happened to the plan to rebuild/expand I-39/US 20 in the Rockford area between Harrison Ave and the I-39 split off? Is that still an active project? I only see this from 3 years ago online.

https://www.rrstar.com/news/20170407/cherry-valley-subdivision-residents-concerned-about-i-39us-20-expansion-plan

I believe this was included in the new IDOT spending plan that just came out.

But will it actually happen this time? They've been talking about it forever, but I can't seem to find the project info online anymore.

It is in the multi year plan and the Perryville Rd bridge is scheduled sooner and was being planned to accommodate the expansion.  That news was a year ago, I thought they might replace that bridge this year.
I figure the rest is at least a few years out, as the current re-surfacing project will make the road smoother for a couple of years.  In few places they are replacing the entire pavement, like under  Perryville Rd.

I think they are also waiting for the interchange improvements on 20 to be completed to the west

They already have 20/39 on a single side with 1 lane each direction for the resurfacing and repairs.  So i don't see the difference and reason to wait.

[Lyon Wonder]

IDOT has completed a 3 year environmental impact study on replacing the IL-106 Florence bridge on the Illinois River and IDOT says the new bridge will be a UCEB that's 300 feet south of the existing bridge and will be similar to the new US 54 Champ Clark bridge that opened last year.

https://wlds.com/hearing-for-new-florence-bridge-set-for-sept-10/

[ET21]

The outbound Kennedy expansion (Harlem to I-190 on I-90 westbound) delayed its completion until next summer due to some utility relocation mishaps

[ChiMilNet]

The outbound Kennedy expansion (Harlem to I-190 on I-90 westbound) delayed its completion until next summer due to some utility relocation mishaps

Well, same issues happened at the Circle/Burn Interchange, so only manages to continue to same pattern of this! Sadly, I still see some critical items just East of there going outbound that are not being addressed, so I wonder how effectively this will actually help the traffic issues outbound.

[SSOWorld]

Only in "$#!7icago"...

[ET21]

IDOT will finally resurface the section of the Kennedy (I-90) from Harlem to the Edens (I-94) junction. Probably the second worst section of pavement behind everyone's favorite I-55 section

[ChiMilNet]

IDOT will finally resurface the section of the Kennedy (I-90) from Harlem to the Edens (I-94) junction. Probably the second worst section of pavement behind everyone's favorite I-55 section

I don't even want to think how much that section of pavement contributed to the premature deterioration of my previous set of tires (city streets also played a significant role in that) while I was still living in the city. Glad to see that this is being addressed.

[The Ghostbuster]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

[Brandon]

IDOT will finally resurface the section of the Kennedy (I-90) from Harlem to the Edens (I-94) junction. Probably the second worst section of pavement behind everyone's favorite I-55 section

Which is being repaved piecemeal every night right now.  Before long, I-55 will be more patches than original pavement.

[ChiMilNet]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

[STLmapboy]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

[3467]

The original concrete pavement on 88 was orange collared or at rusty looking streaks.

[CapeCodder]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

I've noticed this too. They ought to six lane 55 from 270/70 to Springfield. Lots of trucks use 55.

[Paulinator66]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

I've noticed this too. They ought to six lane 55 from 270/70 to Springfield. Lots of trucks use 55.

I live in the area and used to drive that stretch (I-55 from I-270 to Spfld) a couple times a week.  It had terrible traffic from I-270 to at least Livingston, IL (exit #37, I think) and justification could be made for widening to 3 lanes without even considering future growth.

[skluth]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

I've noticed this too. They ought to six lane 55 from 270/70 to Springfield. Lots of trucks use 55.

I live in the area and used to drive that stretch (I-55 from I-270 to Spfld) a couple times a week.  It had terrible traffic from I-270 to at least Livingston, IL (exit #37, I think) and justification could be made for widening to 3 lanes without even considering future growth.

It's been a while, but I remember I-55 only being six lanes from Lincoln to the south end of Sangamon County. Except, of course, where you need it as you go around Springfield on the I-55/72 concurrency!!! The whole of I-55 in Illinois should be six lanes considering the traffic. I was so grateful when they widened it around Bloomington/ Normal, which is where I normally exited to head up I-39 to Wisconsin.

[edwaleni]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

I've noticed this too. They ought to six lane 55 from 270/70 to Springfield. Lots of trucks use 55.

I live in the area and used to drive that stretch (I-55 from I-270 to Spfld) a couple times a week.  It had terrible traffic from I-270 to at least Livingston, IL (exit #37, I think) and justification could be made for widening to 3 lanes without even considering future growth.

It's been a while, but I remember I-55 only being six lanes from Lincoln to the south end of Sangamon County. Except, of course, where you need it as you go around Springfield on the I-55/72 concurrency!!! The whole of I-55 in Illinois should be six lanes considering the traffic. I was so grateful when they widened it around Bloomington/ Normal, which is where I normally exited to head up I-39 to Wisconsin.

The backups on I-55 south of Joliet on Sunday evenings are notorious. 

Illinois is highway rich but cash poor. Because of the politics they have spread their dollars out too far and built more highways than they can reasonably maintain. They have to double the gas taxes just to get some roads back into reasonable condition.

Illinois also suffers from a huge loss of political clout in Washington DC in the last 50 years. When Dan Rostenkowski ran Ways and Means in the US House,(and before him the famous Everett McKinley Dirksen) Illinois could count on certain things being funded.

But the best Illinois got during the Obama years was funding for Amtrak and HSR.

As the population continues to shift to the south and southwest, Illinois will continue to struggle to maintain funding of the road network they built in the 60's and 70's.

[ChiMilNet]

I just looked at Interstate 90 along this segment on Street View. The pavement looks ghastly. Also, what segment of Interstate 55 are you refering to when you say "everyone's favorite I-55 section"?

Between I-80 and Weber Road.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5547791,-88.1806159,3a,75y,186.24h,84.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYnbHgkIXZ-u8Fw2KoxdU9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6238457,-88.1636653,3a,75y,181.59h,70.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOk0oF02riICmpHh7ocajtQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I swear, the pavement on 55 is a shade of orangish-red from STL to Springfield. Parts are bumpy as all hell. That reddish pavement is common in Mississippi and TN and such (due to iron) but not in the midwest.

I've noticed this too. They ought to six lane 55 from 270/70 to Springfield. Lots of trucks use 55.

I live in the area and used to drive that stretch (I-55 from I-270 to Spfld) a couple times a week.  It had terrible traffic from I-270 to at least Livingston, IL (exit #37, I think) and justification could be made for widening to 3 lanes without even considering future growth.

It's been a while, but I remember I-55 only being six lanes from Lincoln to the south end of Sangamon County. Except, of course, where you need it as you go around Springfield on the I-55/72 concurrency!!! The whole of I-55 in Illinois should be six lanes considering the traffic. I was so grateful when they widened it around Bloomington/ Normal, which is where I normally exited to head up I-39 to Wisconsin.

It's still that way. I guess the latest 5 year plan has rebuilding of the Southern I-55/I-72 Interchange in Springfield programmed (it's the Northern one that needs it much more urgently). Also, I think they also added an extension of the 3 lane section to past the Sangamon River now, but of course, this still leaves the section actually within Springfield still in need of a major widening/upgrade.

They do need to widen the entire thing to six lanes, but other than Springfield, the next sections that need to be the top priority are South of I-80 to at least Braidwood, and probably even Dwight. Then the section in the Metro East North of I-255 to at least I-270 and probably through the whole of Madison County. Those also would be the most challenging sections with lesser ROW. Once you get out of those sections, the rest would be relatively easy and just require slapping an extra lane inside (and of course rebuilding any overpasses to accommodate where needed). Don't hold your breath, though. Illinois, on the I-80 rebuild plans through Joliet seems like they might not even have six through lanes on the entire thing, although I am hoping that common sense will prevail before they start building that.

[ET21]

IDOT will finally resurface the section of the Kennedy (I-90) from Harlem to the Edens (I-94) junction. Probably the second worst section of pavement behind everyone's favorite I-55 section

I don't even want to think how much that section of pavement contributed to the premature deterioration of my previous set of tires (city streets also played a significant role in that) while I was still living in the city. Glad to see that this is being addressed.

Follow up on this section, apparently IDOT did not sign their construction zone correctly and it led to 10-15 cars getting flat tires with the ripped up base