Mussel Survey Must be Done Before Sylvan Island Bridge Fix

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) – A study must be done about the possible impact on any threatened or endangered mussel species before Moline’s Sylvan Island pedestrian bridge can be replaced.
The western Illinois city closed the bridge in 2013 due to structural problems. The bridge offers pedestrian access to the 35-acre Mississippi River island’s hiking and mountain biking trails.

The (Moline) Dispatch reports that the city will receive $1.1 million in federal funding for the bridge project. But the city must complete all studies to assess biological impacts.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is coordinating the survey with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say there are about 50 species of freshwater mussels in the river.

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