Design and Construction of the I-74 Arch Bridges over the Mississippi River

The I-74 reconstruction is a $1.2 billion endeavor that involves almost 8 miles of interstate reconstruction and widening in Illinois and Iowa. The new roadway provides significant improvements to mobility in the region via added capacity and modernization. The signature elements of the project are twin basket handle true arch bridges over the navigation channel of the Mississippi River, each with span length of 791’. The eastbound structure is unique in that it also carries a bike trail over the river which provides even more connectivity within the region. This mega project is nearing completion with all traffic now using the new roadway and bridges. Learning Objectives: -Understanding of true arch structural behavior -Cable supported structure analysis -Cantilever bike path design approach