A project to replace a deteriorating historic bridge in rural Tazewell County has received a $500,000 shot in the arm from the federal government.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood announced the $500,000 in grant funding for the estimated $2.5 million project to replace the Furrow Road Bridge during a Tuesday news conference at the Tazewell County Justice Center in Pekin.
The bridge is located in an agricultural area in Cincinnati Township, running over Lost Creek between 14th Street and Towerline Road.
"I remind folks all the time all the time that the No. 1 industry in the state is agriculture. But you have to have good infrastructure to get your products to market. This project is really a reflection of that," LaHood said before presenting county board chairman Brett Grimm with a symbolic oversized check.
"This is exactly the type of project that demonstrates responsible use of taxpayer money. I will defend every nickel of federal taxpayer money that's going to this project."
During the media event that was moved from the bridge site to Pekin because of rainy weather, Grimm called the bridge "outdated and unsafe." County engineer Dan Parr said the existing bridge was constructed in 1961, and the right-of-way for the path dates back to the Civil War era.
"The bridge that's there, the alignment is basically is to accommodate horses and wagons," said Parr, adding he can't wait for the replacement project to start.
"This helps us get a very unsafe bridge brought up to standards, and that matters greatly to me."
Currently about 24 feet wide and 80-90 feet long, Parr said the new bridge is expected to be 30-32 feet wide and about 200 feet long.
LaHood, a Republican whose district includes portions of Greater Peoria, said his office contacted the county and made it aware of a funding possibility for a transportation project.
"This is a win for Tazewell County residents, the agriculture community in central Illinois, and for the future of essential public infrastructure in our region," said LaHood.
Bidding for the project is expected to take place in the fall. After the county board approves a contract for a contractor, construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
