Overview — quick facts about the project

Existing and forecast traffic data

In 2000, traffic on the I-74 bridges across the Mississippi River exceeded a 74,000 average daily traffic (ADT) count. Based on current projections, traffic volumes will rise to approximately 99,900 ADT by the year 2035, based on traffic projections endorsed by the Bi-State Regional Commission.

Regional population and employment trends

Quad Cities Metropolitan Area Population and Employment Forecasts Absolute Change Percent Change 1998 2025 1998 to 2025 1998 to 2025 Population 294,031 349,701 69,437 19 Employment 137,903 183,731 54,729 33 Source: Bi-State Regional Commission

Study area length

This project has examined a wide range of alternatives designed to improve traffic flow and mobility in the I-74 corridor, which extends from the Avenue of the Cities in Moline, Ill., to 53rd Street in Davenport, Iowa, a distance exceeding 7 miles.

Number of traffic incidents affecting traffic flow on Mississippi River bridges

In 2007, there were approximately 165 traffic incidents along I-74 within the project study area. Of these, approximately 77 incidents were reported on the Mississippi River bridges. Due to the narrow width of the bridges, traffic incidents cause severe bottlenecks and result in inconsistent travel times through the corridor.

I-74 construction history

The Quad Cities has historically provided an important east-west link in the nation's transportation network.

The I-74 bridge actually crosses the Mississippi River on two separate structures. The northbound bridge, Illinois to Iowa, was completed and opened in 1935; while the southbound bridge, Iowa to Illinois, was completed in 1959 and opened in 1960. ¹

¹Source: Quad Cities Mississippi River Crossing Study, Final Report, 1998