The new Savanna Sabula Bridge over the Mississippi River officially opens tonight. This afternoon, the Illinois and Iowa departments of transportation held a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the $80 million bridge.
Many elected officials and business leaders were on hand to celebrate the completion of the project. The new US Hwy. 52 and Illinois Hwy. 64 bridge connects the cities of Savanna, Illinois and Sabula, Iowa.
Randy Blankenhorn, Illinois Transportation Secretary, says it's a great improvement in safety and will strengthen commerce.
Eighty-five years ago, the old span opened as a private toll bridge. It will be taken apart and removed in the spring. It's very narrow -- only 20 feet wide, with no shoulders. Last month, local businesses and residents celebrated it with a "Last Ride" festival.
It took two years to build the new, steel bridge which is 40 feet wide, with wider lanes and shoulders.
