Grand Reopening of Blue Island Bridge Creates City Cohesion

Six years after the closure of the then-corroded and sunken Division Street Bridge, Blue Island is cohesive, once again.

The north-south connector over the Cal-Sag Channel reopened on Aug. 4, according to a Beverly Review report. It closed in 2010 and underwent significant renovations about a year ago. About 80 percent of the project's $8 million price tag was paid for through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The remaining balance was covered by Blue Island.

"According to Ken Desmaretz, vice president of H.P. Lochner, the Chicago engineering firm that conducted the project, part of the bridge had sunk six inches, and steel had become corroded," the Beverly Review article said. "Lochner officials said workers replaced steel beams, the concrete deck and a leaking water main, as well installed new LED lighting and a handrail."

Officials said that among other perks, the bridge makes it easier for first responders, who have had to take detours to report to scenes throughout the city. Bus routes have also been delayed.

Read the full article in The Beverly Review.