The Joe Page Bridge
crossing the Illinois River at Hardin, Illinois

The Great River Road (Highway 100) crosses the Illinois River at Hardin. Linking Calhoun and Greene Counties is the vertical lift Joe Page Bridge. Its lift span, 308 feet 9 inches long, is the largest span of this type in the world. A vertical lift bridge uses a system of counterweights and cables to raise an inner section. This section remains horizontal as it is raised upward, allowing river traffic to pass beneath the bridge. The lift is operated by by two 50-horsepower motors and is equipped with a gasoline engine in case of emergency. Approximately five million pounds of steel and 9,000 cubic yards of concrete were used in its construction. At 1,728 feet in length it is the longest bridge in Illinois.

Dedicated on July 23, 1931, the bridge is named after Joseph M. Page (1845-1938). Page served in the Union Army during the Civil War and settled in Jerseyville after that conflict. He began working for a builder/architect named Embley and designed many of the ornamental staircases and much of the fine woodwork that adorned many of the fine homes in Jerseyville, including the Cheney Mansion. Joe Page was involved in politics and served five times as Mayor of Jerseyville. Besides being responsible for the construction of the bridge that is named in his honor, he was instrumental in the creation of Pere Marquette State Park, in the establishing the area's water and electric light plants, and in bringing telephone service into Jerseyville. Joe Page also served as editor of the Jersey County Democrat newspaper for 58 years. Joe Page was loved by all the children in the area, who called him "Uncle Joe," and he used to rent out the old Orpheum Theater in Jerseyville on his birthday and give out free passes to the children for an afternoon of cartoons and a main feature.

Learn more about the Hardin area.