Commentary: Failing bridges and roads threaten Illinois economy

By MATT HART
Executive Director
Illinois Trucking Association

Drivers were understandably shocked after a massive hole was spotted in a bridge crossing East St. Louis over the weekend. Sadly, this is just the latest example of troubled bridges throughout Illinois, coming just weeks after the Quincy Memorial Bridge was closed for a month following an expansion joint failure.

These structural issues aren’t just inconveniences – they are urgent safety risks that put drivers at risk, threaten commerce and risk Illinois’ long-term economic viability. Indeed, these bridges serve as critical links between Illinois and Missouri, ensuring people and goods can travel freely across state borders. They are vital connectors, with 70 percent of communities across Illinois relying on exclusively on trucks – and the roads and bridges they travel – to move products we all rely on.

The trucking industry transports more than 716,000 tons of products per day across Illinois, and our drivers deserve to go to work every day on safe, secure roadways. Short-term fixes and temporary patches aren’t enough. We need a permanent solution.

Across Illinois, thousands of roads and bridges need repair or replacement. According to state data, roughly one-third of roads in the Chicago region are rated in fair or poor condition. Downstate, that number climbs to nearly 45 percent.

This is not a localized issue unique to the St. Louis region, it’s systemic. Decades of underinvestment have pushed Illinois’ infrastructure to a breaking point. While the Illinois Department of Transportation continues to stretch available resources as far as possible, the reality is simple: without sustained, reliable funding, the system will continue to deteriorate.

IDOT restricted lanes on eastbound I-64 in East St. Louis to make emergency roadway and bridge repairs. The lane closures, while necessary, will cause delays for drivers and add to area congestion. Meanwhile, in Quincy, the state has been discussing replacing Memorial Bridge for more than a decade. It has already been deemed structurally deficient and functionally obsolete by federal standards. While construction is now projected to begin in 2029, that timeline depends entirely on securing full funding, something that remains uncertain.

In the meantime, the risks are real. During the recent closure, oversized farm equipment and heavy loads were still escorted across the bridge because there was no viable alternative. No one should have to choose between their safety and their livelihood.

In fact, the consequences of inaction affect everyone.

Poor road conditions contribute to more than one-third of fatal crashes statewide and cost Illinois drivers nearly $800 each year in vehicle repairs, wasted fuel, and depreciation—totaling an estimated $6.6 billion annually. Congestion and traffic costs the trucking industry an additional $4.3 billion each year. These are direct hits to household budgets and the broader economy.

But there is a path forward. Every dollar invested in Illinois infrastructure returns as much as $2.50 in economic activity. These projects create jobs, support local businesses, and strengthen communities across the state.

In fact, every $1 billion invested in infrastructure can support up to 25,000 jobs—many of them skilled positions that sustain families and fuel local economies, particularly in downstate communities.

The workforce is ready. Skilled tradespeople stand prepared to rebuild Illinois’ roads, strengthen our infrastructure, and support the communities that depend on them. What’s needed now is leadership.

Illinois must commit to sustained, long-term infrastructure investment that matches the scale of the challenge. That means building on the progress of recent programs while ensuring reliable funding to address both immediate needs and future demands.

These recent bridge closures should serve as a wake-up call. We can continue to react to crises, or we can invest now, fix what’s broken, and build a stronger, safer future for Illinois.

We can’t afford to wait any longer.