Illinois DOT is extending the life of the I-24 Ohio River bridge with a $38 million project to address structural issues until a new bridge can be built in the next two decades. Illinois Department of Transportation District 9 photo “Plans are under way to replace this bridge in the next 20 years,” said Ben Willis, construction engineer, IDOT District 9. A three-year, $38 million project on the I-24 Ohio River bridge is expected to extend the life of the 52-year-old structure until the Illinois Department Transportation (IDOT) can build a new one. "Plans are under way to replace this bridge in the next 20 years," said Ben Willis, construction engineer, IDOT District 9. Illinois Department of Transportation District 9 photo"We have limitations for how much heavy stuff we're putting on the bridge deck," Willis said.