More work on I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridges, commentary on the proposed replacement

IDOT begins more repairs on both the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridges and the main channel bridge on I-270 today.

Commentary/rants
It is because of the frequency of this work that IDOT is currently studying a replacement of the canal bridges. However, based on the presentation at the public meeting for the canal bridge replacement, the replacement will be partially obsolete as soon as it is built. There will only be four foot shoulders on the eastern end of the new bridge, and should I-270 ever get its much needed widening to six lanes between IL 111 and Lilac Avenue, there will be four foot shoulders for the whole bridge. The widened route may also have issues with the merge for IL 3 southbound traffic onto westbound I-270. If IDOT is going to undertake a total replacement for the canal bridges, they should build the new one right with a full right hand shoulder.