Pedestrian bridge in Moline is years from completion

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) - Work to replace a closed-off pedestrian bridge to a Mississippi River island at Moline likely won't be finished for years.

The (Moline) Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/1BrAMhv ) an environmental review of the Sylvan Slough Bridge project is underway. It includes a survey of endangered river mussels. City engineer Scott Hinton says that construction is likely to start in 2017.

The project to rebuild the bridge was awarded $1.1 million in federal funds through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The money comes with requirements to abide by state and federal standards.

The bridge was closed two years ago because of structural problems. It connects the Great River Trail to mountain bike trails and walking paths on Sylvan Island. The 35-acre island is now accessible only by boat.

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Information from: The Dispatch, http://www.qconline.com