MARION – Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman was joined by state and local officials Monday to dedicate the new Westminster Drive bridge over Interstate 57 in Marion, a project that pays tribute to the armed forces and veterans while serving an important transportation role for the region.

Osman says the new bridge is not your typical overpass.

The $7.3 million bridge – made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker Rebuild Illinois capital program – is adorned in a patriotic red, white and blue scheme resembling the American flag and provides access across the interstate to the popular Crab Orchard Greenway.

The new bridge replaces the original bridge that was built over I-57 in 1956. That bridge was demolished in January of last year with the new bridge opening in December of last year. Finishing touches to the bridge were done this spring. In addition to replacing a structure that was past its useful life, the new bridge was raised approximately 2.5 feet over I-57, making it compliant with the latest safety and design standards.

The new 200-foot-long overpass also includes a 10-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path that connects the Crab Orchard Greenway, a 20-mile regional multiuse trail that IDOT is helping to develop as a means to bolster recreation and transportation opportunities in Marion, Herrin, Carterville, Crainville and Carbondale as well as the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and John A. Logan College.

Located just west of the Marion VA Medical Center, the bridge’s most noticeable feature is the fencing protecting the trail, constructed to represent an iconic impression of the American flag. It is created out of multicolored perforated metal and illuminated at night with red, white and blue LED ropes. Emblems of the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were incorporated into the bike and pedestrian sidewalk barrier as well as featured at the four corners of the bridge.

Click here to hear the entire dedication ceremony.