Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman was joined by state and local officials Monday to dedicate the new Westminster Drive bridge over Interstate 57. Funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program, the new bridge is adorned in a red, white and blue scheme resembling the American flag and provides access across the interstate to the Crab Orchard Greenway.
Located just west of the Marion VA Medical Center, the bridge’s fencing is made of multicolored perforated metal and illuminated at night with red, white and blue LED ropes. Emblems of the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were incorporated into the bike and pedestrian sidewalk barrier as well as featured at the four corners of the bridge.
The $7.3 million bridge opened last year, with the finishing touches completed this spring. In addition to replacing a structure that was past its useful life, the new bridge was raised approximately 2.5 feet over I-57, making it compliant with the latest in safety and design standards.
