Truss removal work underway on Libertyville bridge

Workers have removed about three-quarters of the decorative steel truss on the Rockland Road bridge in Libertyville.

The bridge, which is co-owned by the village and Libertyville Township, has been closed and traffic detoured to Route 176 since Feb. 1 after an inspection showed significant deterioration of the 100-year-old truss.

The Illinois Department of Transportation ordered the action because of potential danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Saving the truss was determined not feasible and National Wrecking Co., of Chicago was hired to remove and scrap it.

The removal process should be done by next week.

Additional work will need to be done to ensure the bridge over the Des Plaines River is safe before reopening it to traffic.