Navigating the new I-74 Pedestrian Bridge
“It’s a little confusing right now, but it’s going to be amazing when this construction wraps up.”
This was the consensus from nearly everyone I’ve talked to either while on the new I-74 pedestrian bridge or while discussing it on social media. All agreed it was worth a tiny bit of logistic creativity to be some of the first people on the bridge for this new experience.
Where does the Pedestrian Bridge start?
You’ll find the I-74 pedestrian bridge on the side closest to the old I-74 bridge (west side, closest to downtown Moline or the side toward Davenport). The gently-sloping path runs the entire length of new I-74 bridge, and it leads to a curved viewing area in the center, complete with an oculus to view the mighty waters below.
Photo credit: Christiana Headley
From Illinois
Parking on the Moline side of the bridge is the easiest to navigate right now, especially if you are venturing out with children or a group.
After exiting the bridge onto River Drive toward downtown, turn on 19th Street in Moline (facing the river) and simply look for either on-street or lot parking near 19th and 2nd Ave. I parked in the construction zone at the end of 2nd Ave., but there are lots of less adventurous options along 2nd or near the City of Moline Water Division. From there, simply walk toward the bike path/toward the bridge, and you’ll find the gentle, sloping ramp of the pedestrian bridge.
From Iowa
If you’re coming from the Iowa side, don’t be dismayed by my “start in Illinois” advice: the new bridge is truly a quick commute across. My bestie (who lives in Moline) and I joke that “we practically live in the same neighborhood” now that it only takes a couple of minutes to zip across the Mississippi without traffic.
But if you’d like to start in Iowa, it’s not *that* difficult. The City of Bettendorf suggests parking in the 15th Street Landing (free public parking) lot across from the Verde restaurant. From there, you’ll cross two intersections, heading West. From my point-of-view as a mom, it would not be an ideal route with small children due to traffic, but fine for adults who are keeping a close eye on drivers entering and exiting the ramps. Once you cross through the intersection to the base of the bridge, then you are at the entrance.
For Some Extra Adventure
Of course, that’s not how I did it - I parked at the old Isle overflow lot, went along the bike path, asked a construction worker for help, and then marched across a construction site.
It was fun to compare notes with others about how we arrived at the bridge; one person I met said that her husband drove through the Iowa construction, dropped her off, and then drove across to meet her on the Illinois side.
Another person walking his beagle said he drove through the construction areas and found a lot by one of the waterfront parks on the bike path. We all questioned the legality of these routes but agreed that it was just an extra adventure added to the new adventure of walking across the bridge.
Definitely Worth the Trip
As for the bridge itself: I was afraid that it would be an intense workout due to the ultimate height achieved. Living near the East Village, I’m used to hilly walks - and honestly, the grade up McClellan Blvd (Bix 7 runners, IYKYK) is much more noticeable. The bridge incline did not seem intense at all - in fact, I wouldn’t expect it to be a difficult bike ride, either.
I keep a pretty quick walking pace, so didn’t notice much movement on the bridge until I stopped to take a selfie and photos of the old bridge and skylines. There is a bit of a bounce. Granted, it was also a bit of a windy, overcast day, and that might have added to the feeling.
It is important to remember that you’re walking along fast-moving traffic even though there are about 3-5ft barriers along the route. When I walked up from the Moline side, there was some road debris getting knocked around between lanes a bit, and I kept an eye out just in case it got knocked over the barrier. It didn't.
Basically, all safety and awareness that you would normally practice as a pedestrian is still important, as this is also a bike path. I probably wouldn’t take my 4-year old due to her speed and climbing ability, but I think my 6-year old would definitely enjoy it. For those who are height-averse (I am, to some extent) the gradual incline really lessens the overall sense that you’re up pretty high.
Though I had to take a big, deep, self-confidence-inducing breath when I started up the ramp, being on the pedestrian bridge is really fun. With everyone I met, even on a dreary day, there was a sense of giddy excitement:
Photo credit: Christiana Headley
To that point: Did I step on the oculus? Um, here’s my toe. Maybe next time! And there will definitely be a next time - this is a QC adventure that I can't wait to go on again.
Written by Catherine Petersen
Catherine Petersen grew up in Central Illinois, but the Quad Cities has been home since 2007. She is an assistant professor of English and Literature at Clinton Community College, one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. With her husband, Andrew, and two young daughters, she lives near the Village of East Davenport in a 100+ year-old home. Together, they love exploring the Quad Cities arts, music, culture, history, and food experiences.