The current bridge over the Illinois River  at  IL 23, IL 71 in Ottawa is known as the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.  It was built between 1981–1982.  It was a replacement for the Hilliard Bridge.  This was built in 1932-1933.  It was named after a former mayor of Ottawa.   The Hilliard Bridge was a 3 span through truss with a cantilevered center span.  It had pedestrian walks on both sides.  The largest span was 500 feet.  The total bridge length was 1,075.8 feet.

Before the Hilliard Bridge was the Ottawa Wagon Bridge.  It was located over the Illinois River between 1910-1932.

 

 

The current bridge is typically modern.  It is a four lane bridge.  It is a steel plate girder with concrete decks.  The bridge spans measure 385 feet, 510 feet, and 305 feet.  The bridge length is 1,317 feet.  Its width was 57 feet.  Its height above the water is 47 feet.