IDOT I-74 bridge receives Eddy Award

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Interstate 74 construction project in the Quad Cities was recently recognized with an Eddy Award from the nonprofit group River Action.

Doug Rick, project manager for the I-74 corridor project in the Quad Cities, received the Eddy in the design category on behalf of the Iowa DOT. The vision of the Interstate 74 project is to strengthen the link between Illinois and Iowa. The project included creating an innovative trail along the I-74 bridge crossing the Mississippi River and connecting Davenport, Iowa, to Moline, Illinois.

“The pedestrian and bicycle trail on the new I-74 bridge is the culmination of nearly 20 years of community involvement with the project,” Rick said. “The Quad Cities communities have long expressed the desire to have better connections between the Iowa and Illinois riverfront trails. Carefully examining the needs of the customers and incorporating customer-driven features are an essential part of this project.”

River Action recognized the I-74 project because of the unique pedestrian and bike trail on the new I-74 bridge.

“From early public meetings through final design, the pedestrian/bike portion of the bridge was always on the agenda,” Joe Chambers, president of the River Action board of directors, said. “The attached trail will offer a way to cross the Mississippi between Moline and Bettendorf. It will open new routes for recreational cyclists and make bike commuting possible for a whole new segment of the Quad Cities.”