These bridges, along Columbus and
La Salle Streets in Ottawa, were originally built in
the 1930's. When a reconstruction project was
initiated in the 1990's to reroute Illinois 23/71 on
the north side of Ottawa, design work for the
replacement bridges was coordinated between IDOT and
the Illinois Historical Preservation Agency. The
resulting design closely replicates the original
bridge design (note the concrete pillars and
decorative metal railing). A recreational trail
winds through the bridge openings, which once
carried the canal but are now used by pedestrians,
bicyclists and snowmobilers.
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