Bob Michel Bridge

The Bob Michel Bridge is a road bridge in Peoria County, Illinois, that crosses the Illinois River and connects the eastern and western sides of the region. It carries Illinois Route 40 and serves as a major link in the local transportation network.

The structure was completed in 1993 and replaced the older Franklin Street Bridge that had served since 1913. This replacement marked a major modernization of the regional transportation infrastructure.

The bridge is named after Robert H. Michel, a longtime representative from the Peoria area who held significant positions in Congress. His name reflects the importance of this crossing to the local community.

The bridge is accessible to cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, offering passage to multiple forms of traffic across its surface. Visitors should note that the best views of the crossing are possible from the riverbanks or from passing vehicles.

The structure was specifically designed to handle multiple forms of traffic on a single structure, setting it apart from other river crossings in the Peoria area. This multifunctional approach makes it a notable feature of the regional infrastructure.