Murray Baker Bridge to reopen following $42.2 million rehabilitation project

Posted on October 26, 2020
The Murray Baker Bridge was built in 1958 and carries almost 68,000 vehicles a day. (Photo courtesy Illinois Department of Transportation)

 

By Neil Doyle

PEORIA – State officials Monday announced the Murray Baker Bridge rehabilitation will be completed on schedule and will reopen to the public on Oct. 31.

Gov. JB Pritzker was in Peoria to make the announcement, as the $42.2 million project was one of the first under the governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Since we passed that plan, I’ve presided over groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects all across the state. But today is different. It’s a very special day. Because today we get to celebrate the completion of one of those projects, as I-74’s Murray Baker Bridge opens back up to the public later this week. And I’m proud to say that not only was this project completed on time, but also on budget,” said the governor.

To complete the project, the bridge was closed on March 29. The project removed and replaced the existing bridge deck, repaired structural steel, repainted lower portions of the bridge and installed new lighting.

“The Murray Baker Bridge is a linchpin in the regional economy and the state’s overall transportation network,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.

The bridge was built in 1958 and carries almost 68,000 vehicles a day.

A project webpage with maps, photos and videos of the bridge under construction can be viewed by clicking here or visiting www.gettingaroundpeoria.com.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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