The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has selected the Bob Michel Bridge Rehabilitation: Connecting Communities project with a 2025 Engineering Excellence Honor Award and as one of the candidates for the top ACEC-IL award. This award honors the significant contributions made by Ciorba in the rehabilitation and geometric improvements of the Bob Michel Bridge, which is a vital link between Peoria and East Peoria, spanning the Illinois River.

Originally built in 1993, the Bob Michel Bridge had 20 spans and required significant deck rehabilitation. The project aimed to extend the bridge’s life while improving safety for both vehicles and non-motorized users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge’s redesign included the addition of a 14-foot-wide, barrier-separated multi-use path on one side, making it the only bridge in the region to accommodate both pedestrian and bicycle traffic across the Illinois River. This enhancement aligns with the increasing development in Peoria’s Warehouse District and East Peoria’s Levee District.

The rehabilitation project was part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, with a focus on maintaining the bridge’s structural integrity while improving its role in the area’s multi-modal transportation network. Throughout the project, public agency collaboration was key, especially during the bridge closure for vehicular traffic in March 2023. The bridge was reopened to traffic in December 2023.

In addition to Ciorba Group, the project team included Collins Engineers, Hermann & Associates, Prairie Engineers, Images, and contractor ICC Group.

Vote for the Bob Michel Project for the ACEC Engineering Works Award at https://www.acecileea.com/engineering-works/