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Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge The stamp art features four bridges completed between 1938 and 2022: the multi-span steel through arch Arrigoni Bridge connecting the Connecticut municipalities of Middletown and Portland; the S-curved cable-stayed Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha, NE; the steel truss Skydance Bridge topped by a public sculpture in Oklahoma City; and the basket-handle twin arch Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge connecting Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL. Shown here is the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge.
Bridges are among the oldest structures created by humans. In ancient times, simple slabs of stone spanned slow moving rivers. And in modern times, concrete and steel are used to cover vast distances. While the materials and designs have evolved from utilitarian structures to engineering marvels, bridges remain integral parts of American life, with over 600,000 bridges in the United States. The construction of bridges is a way to reinvigorate communities economically as well as create landmarks of regional pride. Many modern bridges are designed for use by cyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists, capturing the imagination of human possibility.
The economic success of this region created an increasing traffic demand that outgrew the corridor’s then-existing infrastructure. As the bridge became a major pinch-point for delays, the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation decided on an ambitious improvement plan to alleviate congestion and sustain the regional economy. Objectives of the plan included: improved connection among the communities with additional lanes, adequate shoulders, and provision for safe bicycle and pedestrian access.
The I-74 bridge was part of a reconstruction project that included almost eight miles of roadway and bridges in Iowa and Illinois. The river crossing itself is over 3,400-feet long with an almost 800-foot navigation span and required a signature, long-span structure.
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Topics: Bridge (34) Forever Stamp (1052)
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