Downstate road named after fallen Marine

ALTON -- Part of a southern Illinois road has been named after a U.S. Marine who died in Iraq nearly five years ago.

Marine Cpl. Christopher Belchik was killed in 2004 in an explosion in Anbar province during his second tour of duty.

The extension of Indiana Avenue in Alton won't be open until the middle of next month.

Members of Belchik's family and local leaders including U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello attended a small ceremony Tuesday morning.

They remembered Belchik as a man who died while serving his country.

The 30-year-old grew up mostly in Godfrey, but had lived with his wife in Alton.

Funding for the project comes from Madison County, the Federal Highway Administration and the city.