NOTE: This has been corrected from its earlier version. The Macoupin County spokeswoman who initially called me was wrong; the county board had not yet voted to save the bridge. The board will vote on the matter Nov. 8, and she said passage is likely because the board chairman supports the proposal.
The Macoupin County Board in Illinois is voting to preserve the old Honey Creek Bridge on old Route 4, which is a very old alignment of Route 66. It’s one of my favorite stretches of the Mother Road. It’s also been referred to as the Sugar Creek Bridge.
I haven’t received exact details, but the bridge likely will turn into a pedestrian walkway, with the proposal listed below.
The Illinois Department of Transportation considered demolishing the bridge, which dated to 1920. State Sen. Deanna Demuzio, D-Carlinville, stepped in and persuaded IDOT to reconsider. The Alton Telegraph had a story about this in late September.
Some excerpts:
Demuzio said Route 66 is part of Macoupin County’s heritage, was an economic boon in its heyday and is still a huge tourist attraction. Those visitors who come to see it bring tourist dollars into the county via shopping at local venues, dining in area restaurants, purchasing gas at local service stations, and staying at local motels or bed and breakfasts.
IDOT would spare the bridge under the proposal that Manar will present in October for the County Board’s approval. The plan includes the following criteria:
— The jurisdiction of the bridge will transfer from the state of Illinois to Macoupin County.
— The section of Old Route 66 will be preserved, with the state retaining jurisdiction of the road and being responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.
— IDOT will award a $100,000 grant to Macoupin County for its participation and payment for jurisdictional transfer.
“If the County Board agrees to the proposal, the county would close the bridge to vehicular traffic except for summer weekends or special events such as when Route 66 motor tours pass through the county, which would be about three times per year or so. The bridge would remain accessible to pedestrians and bicycles. While IDOT says the Sugar Creek Bridge is structurally sound, IDOT recommends keeping it closed to vehicular traffic most of the time to extend the life of the bridge for generations to come,” (board chairman Andrew) Manar said.