The bridge will be closed during construction, which is expected to be completed in July.
DAVENPORT, Iowa — Construction is scheduled to begin on a new roundabout at the base of the Government Bridge in Davenport on Monday, March 18th. The bridge will be closed to traffic until mid-July, when construction is expected to be completed.
Related: Arsenal Bridge closed for four months as crews build roundabout
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, roundabouts have reduced fatal crashes by 90% and overall crashes by 76%. Transportation officials also say the roundabout will eliminate waiting times at red lights and stop signs.
But one Davenport business owner is concerned about how the project will affect his business. Aaron Ickes is a partner in Great River Brewery, located just down the street from the bridge. He fears the construction will slow down business when the brewery opens in a month.
“I think it's going to be tough,” Ikis said. “That means a lot of traffic from Illinois comes over that bridge, so they have to go down to Centennial or I-74.”
Ikis may not be a fan at the moment, but he sees long-term benefits. “I’m all for roundabouts,” he says. “Personally, I think once you learn how to use it, it becomes much easier to use.”
The Rock Island Arsenal Public Works Department is in charge of the project.
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