PEORIA, Ill. — The Murray Baker Bridge project that has left the bridge closed since March 29 is still on schedule to reopen on the target date of Nov. 1.
Even though the world has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Paul Wappel says that it hasn’t thrown a wrench in their work.
“Things have gone very smoothly overall; no setbacks with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wappel.
Although the pandemic hasn’t pushed back the schedule of completion of the project, workers have had to adjust to new protocols to remain safe.
“Everyone who can wear a mask or face covering is doing so,” said Wappel. “Contractors are pre-screening workers when they arrive, and if anybody has any symptoms they are asked to go home or stay home.”
In addition, Wappel said that workers are asked to keep practicing social distancing during break and lunch times.
During the hot days of working on the bridge, workers are provided with plenty of water. Wappel said that when the temperatures rise, workers will come in earlier as well as keeping the cooler stocked with water during the day.
The project on River Road in East Peoria has a completion date scheduled for Oct. 30 which is one day before the scheduled completion of the Murray Baker Bridge.
