Norbert F. Beckey Bridge

The Norbert F. Beckey Bridge is a cantilever structure made of steel that carries two highways across the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois. The two-lane roadway handles several thousand vehicles each day as traffic flows between the two states.

An earlier bridge at this location had structural problems and was replaced by this new cantilever design that opened in 1972. The bridge was renamed a decade later to honor a local advocate who worked on improving the area's transportation connections.

The structure serves as a vital regional link that residents and visitors encounter regularly while traveling between states. Its presence defines the landscape and makes it a familiar landmark for people living in the surrounding communities.

Crossing is straightforward with regular maintenance keeping the bridge in good condition for all vehicles. Drivers should follow normal traffic rules and speed limits while traversing the structure between the two states.

A few years after opening, the structure received a lighting system installed beneath its deck that can display numerous colors and patterns. This colorful illumination transforms the appearance of the bridge at night and is maintained by a regional utility company.

Location: Iowa

Location: Illinois

Official opening: December 2, 1972

GPS coordinates: 41.42250,-91.03360

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21