The purpose of the project is to replace the IL 40 (1st Avenue) bridge over the Rock River for structural reasons. The IL 40 Bridge is the primary connection over the Rock River between Sterling and Rock Falls, and is also the primary route for through traffic. This important route has an average daily traffic (ADT) volume of 26,000 vehicles. The project limits are from 2nd Street in Rock Falls to 2nd Street in Sterling. Improvements in this area are significantly constrained by the presence of building structures immediately adjacent to the bridge and the railroad overpass on the north end of the bridge in Sterling.

The new structure will have 8 spans (down from 12 spans on the existing bridge). It will have two lanes of traffic in both directions as well as a 10’ bike/pedestrian path on both sides of the structure

Click here to see a full set of plans.