Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are included in an IDOT project that will replace the bridge that extends North Seminary Street over the US 34 bypass.
The project, which will be fully funded by IDOT, is expected to go out for bids in 2026 and be completed during the 2027 construction season.
According to Galesburg Director of Public Works Michael Doi, IDOT is in the preliminary design phase of the project and have determined that bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are warranted to be included with the new bridge. The decision to include accommodations on the new bridge is based off existing pedestrian and bicycle generators such as the hospital as well as the potential for future development in the area.
Doi tells WGIL, “The bridge crosses an access controlled highway (US 34), so without accommodations, there is a barrier to providing safe passage for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Doi said planned future developments were considered and IDOT sought feedback from the city. The city provided IDOT with the most recent comprehensive plan for Galesburg, particularly the future land use potential in the area, to aid in determining the need for the accommodations.
The city’s most recent comprehensive plan identified opportunities for development of multifamily housing north of US 34.
Bike/pedestrian path would be on east side of bridge
The proposed 10-foot-wide multi-use path would be on the east side of the bridge and separated from traffic by a barrier wall. The path would extend just beyond the interchange ramps on the north and south side of the bridge. Any future development of a path system or bicycle accommodations along Seminary Street could then connect to this proposed path and allow safe passage over the new bridge.
IDOT is proposing to pay for all costs associated with the construction of the path as part of the proposed bridge project. However, the city would assume responsibility for future maintenance and reconstruction of the path. Before moving forward in the design process, IDOT has requested approval of a Letter of Commitment from the city agreeing to assume future responsibility for maintenance and reconstruction.
According to IDOT’s records, the bridge was constructed in 1972. Doi said older bridges, such as this one, can have a life-expectancy of around 50 years. He noted today, bridges can be designed to have closer to a 75-year service life or longer.
Doi said the project is still in the preliminary design phase and its unclear if part of the bridge would remain open during construction.
