QUINCY, Il – The Illinois Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced two suggested detours for commercial truck traffic following the closure of the Quincy Memorial Bridge (eastbound U.S. 24) over the Mississippi River. Additionally, IDOT is offering scheduled escorts for farm equipment and wide loads to cross the bridge on weekends.

Message boards have been placed by IDOT and the Missouri Department of Transportation, recommending truck traffic coming to Illinois from Missouri travel to Hannibal to cross the Mississippi River at Interstate 72 or, if using the Bayview Bridge, continue on Broadway Street and use Interstate 172 to access Illinois 57.

Drivers of farm equipment and wide loads (12 feet or wider) are asked to contact IDOT at 217-785-0288 or David.Vereen@illinois.gov to schedule a crossing in advance. The crossings will take place on weekends during off-peak hours. Requests for an escorted crossing must be arranged before 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. ? ?

The Memorial Bridge closed Monday for emergency repairs for an estimated four weeks, weather permitting. ?

The bridge’s replacement is included in IDOT’s latest multi-year program as a joint project with the Missouri Department of Transportation, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in 2029. ?

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.