MCT’s 51st bridge opens in Pontoon Beach over Route 111
MCT Celebrates Completion of Signature Bridge for the MCT Schoolhouse Trail
SJ Morrison, Managing Director of MCT, speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. (submitted photo)
By Tribune Staff • On June 25, Madison County Transit (MCT) officials along with a host of contractors and local leaders, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a towering new bicycle/pedestrian bridge that carries the MCT Schoolhouse Trail over Route 111 in Pontoon Beach. Known as the MCT 111 Trail Bridge, the new 640-foot span is now open to the public and provides a seamless ADA-accessible path over the busy 111 intersection.
“The MCT 111 Trail Bridge is a long-term investment in safety, accessibility and the continued growth of the MCT Trails system,” said MCT Board Chairman Al Adomite. “By adding a bridge at this location, we are making it easier and safer for trail users to connect throughout the region.”
The 111 Trail Bridge is MCT’s 51st bridge in its trails system, emphasizing MCT’s ongoing commitment to reducing at-grade trail crossings and improving the safety and accessibility of the trails. The $6.3 million project includes a three-span bridge as well as approximately 2,350 feet of improved trail. The bridge features two, 200-foot prefabricated box-truss approach spans and a 240-foot signature “tied-arch” center span. The tied-arch design is the first of its kind on the MCT Trails system and one of only a few tied-arch bicycle and pedestrian bridges in the region. At its highest point, the top of the arch in the center span rises 60 feet above the roadway, creating a striking new landmark for Madison County and the MCT Trails.
The bridge deck is 12 feet wide and constructed of seven-inch reinforced concrete. The approaches were designed with a 4.5% running slope from both directions, providing an ADA-compliant connection across Illinois Route 111.
“The MCT Trails system is one of Madison County’s greatest assets,” said SJ Morrison, MCT Managing Director. “Projects like this ensure that the trails are safe and accessible for users of all ages and abilities. I guess you could say that MCT is going OVER and ABOVE for safety on the MCT Trails.”
Consultants for the project included Keeley & Sons, which served as the general contractor, and Oates Associates served as the design engineering firm. Funding was provided by Madison County Transit with financial support from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD).
For more information about the MCT Trails, visit www.MCTtrails.org, email [email protected], or call 618-797-4600.
MCT staff members, board members, local officials and contractors cut the ribbon of the new MCT Route 111 Trail Bridge along the Schoolhouse Trail on June 25. (submitted photo)
