The Quad-Cities first new Mississippi River bridge in 47 years opened Friday morning, welcoming three lanes of Iowa-bound Interstate 74 traffic and a providing stronger connection within the bi-state community.
The $1.2 billion bridge is scheduled to open completely next year, with demoliton of the old bridge set for 2022.
The Sgt. John F. Baker bridge carrying Interstate 280 bridge from Rock Island to Davenport opened October 25, 1973.
The Fred Schwengle bridge carrying Interstate 80 from Rapids City to LeClaire opened October 27, 1966.