Officials are eyeing repairs to two bridges that connect the north and south sides of Blue Island over the Cal-Sag Channel.
City Council members this week unanimously approved spending $26,000 on engineering for structural repairs to the aging bridges on Chatham Avenue and Division Street.
Officials want to put the project on a fast track because the bridges could fail future safety inspections if they deteriorate more.
Mayor Donald Peloquin said the city hopes to get state and federal grants to cover most of the costs, estimated at more than $1 million.
“To pursue any funding, we need the engineering and the cost estimates done,” he said.
Peloquin said the bridges are safe for motorists who cross them and boaters on the channel underneath. The bridges are more than 50 years old.
“You’ve got to do it now and be ready for the future,” Peloquin said.
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