Illinois State Senator Steve McClure and State Representative Wayne Rosenthal have successfully passed Senate Bill 3622 through the Illinois General Assembly, addressing safety issues associated with historic bridges. The bill aims to balance historic preservation with modern safety needs, particularly for bridges still in use on critical travel routes.

Senate Bill 3622 enables the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend the removal of certain historic bridges from the National Register of Historic Places. This applies to bridges less than 22 feet wide, with banisters at least 18 inches tall, that cross township roads and require renovation or rebuilding. The bill was introduced in response to concerns from farmers and motorists about the safety and practicality of using these historic structures.

Senator McClure works to prioritize safety while recognizing the value of preserving historic sites. Representative Rosenthal noted that while historic bridges are structurally sound, their design does not accommodate modern traffic and large equipment, necessitating updates or replacements to ensure public safety.

The legislation was inspired by Montgomery County Board Member Kenneth Folkerts, who highlighted issues faced by farmers due to the restrictive design of some historic bridges. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature to become law.