Murray Baker Bridge to close Sunday for major rehab

PEORIA - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the planned closure of the Murray Baker Bridge carrying Interstate 74 over the Illinois River will take place, as scheduled, at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, March 29, weather permitting. The closure is necessary to complete a $42.2 million rehabilitation of the bridge over the next seven months, a project made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

By completely closing the Murray Baker Bridge to all traffic, the repairs can be done cheaper, faster and safer, allowing all lanes to reopen by Nov. 1, weather permitting. While the bridge is under construction, a detour will direct motorists to use Illinois 40 or Interstate 474.

The project involves removing and replacing the existing bridge deck, completing structural steel repairs, painting the lower portions of the bridge and upgrading existing lighting as well as installing new decorative lights.

Leading up to the closure, motorists can expect work to be taking place, with lane reductions, starting at 7 p.m. tonight in both directions of I-74, from Washington Street, in East Peoria, to University Avenue, in Peoria. Until the bridge is closed, lane configurations will vary while temporary lane markings and signs are put in place to accommodate the detour.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternate routes should be considered, when feasible. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and signs in the work zone, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

The start of the project coincides with federal and state executive orders that infrastructure maintenance and construction continue as essential public functions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the project, IDOT and contractors will be implementing recommended public health measures to protect the health and the safety of the public and workers.

By closing the Murray Baker Bridge and not performing the project in multiple phases, the project can be completed more quickly and at a reduced cost. The safety risk to workers and motorists also is reduced by eliminating live traffic moving through an active construction site.

Gov. Pritzker's historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program is investing $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on www.GettingAroundIllinois.com and www.GettingAroundPeoria.com.