Bridge opening ensures access for IVCC students
By the IV Leader Staff, Nov. 13, 2003
The opening of the Shippingsport Bridge on Oct. 29 has renewed the link between Oglesby and La Salle — and added a convenient thoroughfare for Illinois Valley Community College.
“IVCC prides itself on being accessible to students,” said Fran Brolley, director of public information for IVCC. “The new Shippingsport Bridge ensures easy access for the hundreds of students who come here each day from La Salle and other communities.”
Brolley said the bridge, which opened to traffic after two years of construction, provides a safe alternative for students.
“The new bridge is much safer for our students and employees. Its shoulders are even wide enough for walkers, runners and bicyclists to cross safely,” he said. “And there’s one more subtle improvement to the quality of life for our students: They’ll no longer have the added stress of waiting for the bridge to raise and lower for barge traffic when they’re late for class or work.”
The old Shippingsport Bridge with its center lift span was demolished Aug. 17, 2001.
IVCC had joined with the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce and local city officials to lobby IDOT for the bridge’s replacement at a time when the state had considered closing the bridge completely.
The new $15.9 million structure is 1,775 feet long and is high enough to allow barge traffic to pass below without a lift span.