CENTENNIAL BRIDGE UPDATE: E-2 SELECTION & NEXT STEPS

Important takeaways from the recent project meeting regarding the future of our regional crossing and historic preservation concerns.

Following recent stakeholder and public meetings, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has moved forward with plans for the Centennial Bridge. As we prepare to lose a National Register-listed historic bridge, SCHPS is actively monitoring design decisions, safety logistics, and community aesthetics.

IDOT Decision & Public Input

Public feedback from the 3rd meeting showed a clear community preference, leading to IDOT's selection:

• Public Preferences: 39% preferred option E-2 (new bridge right next to current), 19% rehabilitation, 7% E-7 (Marquette location), and 2% keeping the existing bridge.
• Selected Path (E-2): IDOT has chosen E-2 to build a wider 4-lane bridge at the same Davenport and Rock Island intersections. The existing historic Centennial Bridge will be demolished upon completion.
• Maintenance Reality: Discussions noted that further maintenance would only extend the current bridge's life 40 years max, and IDOT has decided against painting it despite contract concerns. Funding is secured now, though future availability is uncertain. The Davenport City Council was updated on September 9, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has given initial approval.

Bridge Design Options & Aesthetics Discussion

Designs must accommodate Coast Guard regulations for deep-channel Mississippi River traffic on the Illinois side. IDOT presented four remaining structure types (two multi-arch and extradosed designs were cut due to cost):

• 1. Tied arch (single, offset on the Rock Island side)
• 2. Cable-stayed with a single tower (tall post in the middle)
• 3. Cable-stayed with two towers (center post with shorter post on the RI side)
• 4. Steel plate girder (flat, no-frills profile)

Aesthetics Concern: There was deep disappointment among stakeholders that aesthetics—previously heavily emphasized—were largely ignored in these baseline choices, with nothing proposed for the Davenport side. SCHPS strongly advocated that we expect something iconic and beautiful to replace our historic landmark. Among the options reviewed, the two-tower cable-stayed design received the most informal stakeholder support. An aesthetics focus group will form in November, and the Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) has secured a confirmed seat at the table.

Safety, Bike/Ped Path Logistics & Timeline

• Bike & Pedestrian Connectivity: Detailed discussions focused on traffic safety around rail crossings as walkers and bikers connect to trail systems on both sides of the river, governed by ADA 5% grade requirements.
• Upcoming Public Meeting #4: Wednesday, October 21, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (open house format) at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, featuring a whiteboard for public ideas on safe bike route connections.
• Project Timeline: Final TAG/CAG meeting in Spring 2027; Final project report in Summer 2027; Phase one approval in Fall 2027. New construction will not begin for at least 4 years.