The village of Seneca was incorporated in 1865, and the first bridge across the Illinois River was built in 1866. That bridge collapsed, so an iron bridge was built in 1877. That bridge was replaced in 1932 by the current highway bridge.
The new bridge will be a 2 lane structure very much like the IL-351 bridge at Shippingsport. It will feature high strength steel girders with a concrete deck. The deck will be 40 feet wide, enough room for two 12-foot lanes, shoulders, and a walkway on one side. The walkway will be separated from the bridge by a concrete barrier. The main span is expected to be 350 to 375 feet. The bridge is expected to cost about $20-million.