One of our own is competing for a national award to bring home to the Quad Cities. No, it's not a human being but it was built by humans. The new I-74 Mississippi River Bridge is a finalist for a national award. This honor really is a big congratulations to the people who work for both the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation.

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In a press release on Thursday, officials from the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge announced that the new bridge over has been named a Top 12 finalist in America’s Transportation Awards, the top honor for state departments of transportation from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The joint project between Iowa and Illinois now competes for the national Grand Prize selected by an independent panel and the People's Choice Award determined by an online vote.

Officials are encouraging the public to show its support for the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge by voting in the People's Choice Awards. An online vote can be made once a day until the contest wraps up on October 21.

Visit americastransportationawards.org, click the “Vote Now” button, and select “The Memorial Bridge (Interstate 74 Mississippi River Crossing)” to cast your vote.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said in the release,

“The I-74 Mississippi River Bridge has become an icon in the Quad Cities and the Midwest. Those who have seen the positive impact it brings to the region would agree that the bridge is absolutely deserving of national recognition. Cast your votes to bring home this prestigious award.”

Scott Marler, the Iowa Department of Transportation Director added,

“We are proud of the teamwork between Illinois and Iowa in delivering this project. We ask for your support to help bring home this award and show the rest of the country, once again, that our states, industry partners and labor force know how to build world-class infrastructure.”

Both the Grand Prize and People’s Choice Award come with $10,000 to provide to a charity, not-for-profit, or transportation-related scholarship by the winning states.

Built by the Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation, the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge was recognized as a contest finalist for improving safety and mobility, enhancing the quality of life, and positioning the Quad Cities for future economic opportunity.

Opened in 2021, the bridge has four lanes in each direction, a 14-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path with a scenic overlook, and connections to existing paths in Bettendorf and Moline. The approximately $1 billion project includes twin river bridges, new interchanges, ramps, and local road reconfigurations. For more information on the project, visit www.i74riverbridge.com.

New I-74 Bridge Opening Ceremony

On Wednesday, December 1st, 2021, officials from the Quad Cities, the Iowa and Illinois Department's of Transportation, dignitaries, and federal traffic officials, held an opening ceremony for the recently completed I-74 River Bridge. Over 2,000 Quad Citians attended the event for a chance to walk on the bridge, take photos, and hear from speakers.

Quad City Pumpkin Patches

It's pumpkin pickin' time in the Quad Cities. Pumpkins make great fall decorations and they are obviously fun to carve. If buying a pumpkin at a store doesn't cut it and you want the full experience of a pumpkin patch, we have the full list of pumpkin patches throughout the Quad Cities. If we are missing any local pumpkin patches, email us here.

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