You’ve probably driven down Dee Bennet road countless times and never knew you were even going over a bridge at any point. That’s how narrow Clark Run creek is and how easy it is to miss. It’s next to Starved Rock Lock and Dam and it’s in need of superstructure repairs so trucks that ply that route can continue to do so.
La Salle County Engineer Donald R Ernat explained to the Board Thursday that the bridge superstructure on Dee Bennet road over Clark Run is rated 3 out of 10. In layman’s terms that means it’s in a state of advanced deterioration. The county is trying to get ahead of more deterioration so the road does not get posted with weight limit signs. That would spell disaster for the two barge terminals on Dee Bennet from as full sized trucks would have to take Route 71 south of the river and go through Ottawa, causing more wear and tear in town.
The bridge over Clark Run was initially built 58 years ago in 1965 and then had it’s superstructure beams upgraded 30 years ago in 1993. The cost for the project is $178,660 and it was unanimously approved.
Doing any upgrading or widening to the entire length of Dee Bennet such it is fraught with hurdles. Resource agencies are very aware of the historical and cultural significance of the road not to mention the biological resources at risk by the work.