What's next for the new Interstate 74 bridge project? That was the big question Monday as the Illinois outlined its transportation program for the next six years. Funding for construction on the new bridge is not on the list.
The program includes and total $9.2 billion for highways and bridges through 2018. Forty-five percent of that will go to Chicagoland area. The other 55 percent is split among downstate districts. That money is divided up based on need. Even though the I-74 bridge is considered a priority, the state just can't foot the funding. "It's obsolete. It's taking on double the traffic it's supposed to," said Congressman Bobby Schilling.
At a press conference at Moline's Centre Station, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider fielded several questions on absent funding for the new bridge. "We are not in a position where we have the flexibility to put that into the program at this point," said Schneider.
Illinois' total share in the more than $1 billion bridge is $453 million. To date, Schneider says Illinois has programmed more than $34 million into preliminary engineering and land acquisition. Part of the problem in setting aside major construction dollars is that the state's highway program is about half the size it was last year. "Because flat or falling state revenues from motor fuel taxes and, more specifically, motor vehicle registration fees are impeding our ability to have a larger program," added Schneider.
Uncertainty of federal resources is another issue. Congressman Schilling says a five-year transportation bill is the ticket to pushing past this roadblock, but it's likely in for more setbacks. "My big concern is Iowa says look Illinois, you guys aren't stepping in and we've got other projects that we can use. We'll see Iowa pull their money back and we'll be waiting for another 6 or 8 years," said Schilling.
For now, Illinois plans to spend $1.5 million on the bridge, for rehab on the existing structure, and work with Iowa to come up with a plan to fund the permanent fix.
"We're going to strategize on how best to approach funding the project. It still remains priority for both states I can tell you that," added Schneider.
The goal was to start building the bridge in 2016, but no construction money from Illinois planned through 2018 leaves that in limbo. The six-year plan is something the state will revisit each year and, depending on the fiscal situation, could make revisions.
This is the state's first ever multi-modal transportation program to include highways, bridges, rail, airports, and mass transit. Area projects that are getting funding include high speed rail from Chicago to the Quad Cities, $4 million in improvements at the Quad City International Airport for next year, and more than $51 million will go to widen John Deere Road from four to six lanes. That project is planned between Interstate 74 and 70th street in Moline. An overpass will also be added at the 38th street intersection by Walmart.
"It's been identified as the busiest corridor in the entire Quad Cities area and certainly the upgrade to six lanes is needed on John Deere Road. We're so happy finally we'll be able to see construction start in 2013," said Moline Mayor Don Welvaert. Work is expected to start next spring and go through 2015.
