The Bob Michel bridge was built to serve an industrial area across
the river from downtown Peoria. Much of the industrial area has
since been demolished and cleaned up. A large retail and
entertainment area has been built in place of the old factories.
The road through this area was once called Industrial Spur. That
name has been retired in favor of Riverfront Drive, in recognition
of one of the areas first major attempts to reconnect to the river.
This bridge replaces the 1913 era Franklin Street Bridge, seen in
the photos above. That bridge was a narrow structure with a bascule
style drawbridge section. It was narrow and difficult for both
highway and river traffic. US Senate candidate Mike Psak lambasted
the spending on the new bridge when the dedication ceremony was
delayed for two days when it was discovered that the highway signs
read "Robert Michel Bridge" rather than "Bob Michel Bridge". Fixing
the signs cost nearly $75,000. The bridge is named after Peoria
native Congressman Robert H. Michel, who held office from 1956 to
1995. His service included holding the office of Minority Whip and
Minority Leader. Michel is a WWII hero having been awarded four
battle stars, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. The latter was
awarded after Michel was hit by machine gun fire.