Work Underway To Remove Severely Deteriorated Truss

LIBERTYVILLE, IL – Work is underway to remove a severely deteriorated truss over the Rockland Road bridge in Libertyville. The removal process began Monday and is expected to continue for two weeks. The bridge has been closed since Feb. 1.

Officials made the decision to close the bridge over the Des Plaines River for emergency repairs after an inspection revealed the existing truss system had significant levels of deterioration, according to a village press release.

The decorative truss has been attached to the Rockland Road bridge over the Des Plaines River for 56 years, according to the Daily Herald. Village officials talked about removing and storing the truss and repairing it but ultimately, they decided it was not cost effective to do so, according to the Daily Herald.

"We've made the decision to scrap the metal (from the steel truss system)," Village Administrator Chris Clark told the Daily Herald. "Removal and haul-away is the best method from a cost standpoint."

Village officials anticipate after the truss is removed, there will be some additional work to ensure the bridge is safe before it is reopened.

Photo via the Libertyville Facebook page