Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge is a road bridge crossing the Illinois River near LaSalle with a span of approximately 7,120 feet. Its main structure uses a through-arch design and also passes over several railway lines, a canal, and a state highway below.

The bridge was completed in 1987 as part of the southern extension of Interstate 39, linking the towns of LaSalle and Oglesby. This project proved essential for improving regional transportation connections in the area.

The bridge carries the name of the 16th president as a tribute to his deep ties with Illinois, and this connection remains meaningful to local communities today. As you cross, you experience how the region has chosen to honor this historical relationship through its infrastructure.

The bridge serves as part of Interstate 39 and US Route 51, two major routes used by commuters and freight traffic in the region. It provides a four-lane crossing that handles daily traffic efficiently across the river.

The structure ranks as the longest bridge in Illinois and crosses not only the river but also the Illinois and Michigan Canal plus several railway and highway routes simultaneously. This engineering achievement manages multiple transportation layers in a single span.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1987

Official opening: 1987

GPS coordinates: 41.32470,-89.07690

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53