Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman was joined by state and local officials Monday afternoon to dedicate the new Westminster Drive bridge over Interstate 57, a project that pays tribute to the armed forces and veterans while serving an important transportation role for the region.
The new bridge is adorned in a patriotic red, white and blue scheme resembling the American flag and provides access across the interstate to the Crab Orchard Greenway.
The $7.3 million bridge opened last year, with the finishing touches completed this spring. The new bridge was raised approximately 2.5 feet over I-57, making it compliant with the latest safety and design standards.
The new overpass also includes a 10-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path that connects the Crab Orchard Greenway, a 20-mile regional multi-use trail that IDOT is helping to develop as a means to bolster recreation and transportation opportunities in Marion, Herrin, Carterville, Crainville and Carbondale as well as the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and John A. Logan College.
