Briefing to include Q&A ahead of public meeting
Editor’s note: This news release is being sent through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s news release distribution as a courtesy to the Illinois Department of Transportation
LECLAIRE, Iowa – Oct. 13, 2026 – The Illinois Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation, will host a media briefing at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at LeClaire City Hall, 325 Wisconsin St., LeClaire, Iowa, ahead of the Interstate 80 Mississippi River Bridge project’s final design public meeting.
The briefing will include a preview of the project presentation video, followed by an open question-and-answer session with representatives of both departments. Media will have an opportunity to learn how the selected alternative is taking shape as the project advances toward construction-ready final design.
The project covers about 6 miles of interstate, from the I-88/I-80 interchange in East Moline, Illinois, to 35th Street SW in LeClaire, Iowa. The existing bridge opened in 1967. Recurring maintenance needs, safety concerns and outdated roadway features require a long-term solution.
After more than five years of planning, engineering, environmental review and public input, the project has advanced to final design. The public open house will follow the media briefing, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the same location.
SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 2026:
WHAT: I-80 Mississippi River Bridge Final Design Media Briefing
WHEN: 2 p.m., prior to the 3–6 p.m. public open house
WHERE: LeClaire City Hall, 325 Wisconsin St., LeClaire, Iowa
WHO: Representatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Transportation
OTHER: Preview of the project presentation video and open Q&A with department representatives about final design plans and next steps.
For more information about the project, visit I80MississippiBridge.com
Illinois DOT: Paul Wappel, 217-685-0082; Kristophere’ Owens, 815-640-1027
Iowa DOT: Phil Mescher, 515-233-7969
###