Rockton, IL – In a first-of-its-kind engineering move for Illinois, crews in Rockton successfully pushed a 3-million-pound bridge more than 40 feet to make way for new construction along Illinois Route 2.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the project allowed workers to expand infrastructure without using temporary river supports, protecting the Rock River ecosystem while improving efficiency and safety. The innovative sliding method also reduced overall costs and construction time.
The new southbound bridge officially opened in June, marking a major milestone for the project. Work on the northbound bridge is now underway, with IDOT citing continued progress as part of its long-term improvement plans for the Illinois 2 corridor.
Officials say this unique bridge-moving technique could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the state, especially in areas where environmental preservation and cost savings are top priorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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