Billion Dollar Boondoggle

Note:  This post updated on 28 September 2018 to include a concept of the I-74 bridge and replace photos of the other bridges that for some reason disappeared over the years.

There is no doubt that the I-74 bridge across the Mississippi needs to be replaced.  Look closely at the superstructure the next time you cross the river if you don't think replacement is needed.  Actually don't look but instead keep your eye on the traffic as it's bumper to bumper and very narrow so it warrants a driver's full attention.


OK, so the Quad Cities has a plan to replace the bridge at a cost of one billion dollars (that's $1,000,000,000).  Is such a  project realistic?  Take a look at some really fine bridges and their costs below and then decide if a billion dollar bridge is needed.

The Golden Gate Bridge - Estimated replacement cost:  $1.4 billion



Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (Hoover Dam) - Cost:  $240 million



Minneapolis 35W bridge (replacement) - Cost:  $234 million