SAVANNA, Illinois -- Late last year, construction was completed on a brand new crossing over the Mississippi River but drivers won't be enjoying it again anytime soon.
The closure of the link between Savanna, Illinois and Sabula, Iowa (U.S. Highway 52) stems from the discovery of a problem on an old truss bridge just north of the town of Sabula. The bridge was in the process of being replaced when an issue arose that caused the entire highway to be shut down. According to a release from IDOT, the replacement is being accelerated but won't be completed until late May, weather and schedule permitting.
The detour is significant and will cause motorists to drive 30 miles to the south and crossing the Mississippi River at Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa.