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Illinois Soybean Association Study Reveals Economic Costs and
Opportunities of Rural Bridge Maintenance
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[November 16, 2024]
BLOOMINGTON, ILL. – Leading the nation in
soybean production, Illinois farmers rely on strong infrastructure,
like bridges, to transport their products to market. And, with the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasting a
record-setting soybean harvest of 720 million bushels for 2024,
robust infrastructure is crucial to support this increased output.
Agricultural productivity is also expected to grow by 15-30% over
the next 20 years, so the need for efficient infrastructure will
only become more critical. Recognizing this, the Illinois Soybean
Association (ISA) recently commissioned a study evaluating the
economic impact of maintaining reliable bridge infrastructure in
Illinois.
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 “Roads
and bridges are the first point of connection between soybean
farmers and the market,” said ISA Market Development Committee
Chair Brady Holst. “Well-maintained bridges ensure farmers have
timely access to processing facilities, grain elevators and
transportation hubs. That’s why ISA commissioned this study to
gain insights into the economic impacts of this vital
infrastructure, not just for farmers, but our state as a whole.”
The ISA study conducted a cost-benefit analysis for all roadway
bridges within the State of Illinois after removing bridges in
the Chicago Metropolitan Area and interstate bridges. The study
also analyzed the economic impacts specific to Illinois’ top 13
agricultural-producing counties, including Bureau, Champaign,
Christian, Henry, Iroquois, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, McLean,
Ogle, Sangamon, Shelby and Vermillion.
A major takeaway of the study is that every dollar invested in
Illinois bridge maintenance results in $4.97 in benefits for all
roadway users. For the top 13 agricultural counties,
specifically, every dollar invested in bridge maintenance
results in $3.00 in benefits for all users.
The broader impacts of investing in the maintenance of reliable
bridges can include additional employment, labor income and
value to the local, regional and state economies. According to
the ISA study, bridge investments in the State of Illinois will
provide approximately 52,640 jobs, a labor income of $2.83
billion, and an added economic value of $5.63 billion over the
next 30 years. For Illinois’ top 13 agricultural counties,
bridge investments will provide approximately 5,979 jobs, $231.9
million in labor income and $639.8 million in total value added.
“Investing in bridges isn’t just a good deal for Illinois
farmers, it’s a win for all Illinois citizens,” said Holst. “The
long-term benefits of bridge repair and maintenance are
significant economic opportunities for our state.”
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The ISA study also underscored the need for continued
investment by assessing the condition of Illinois’ 26,873 bridges
statewide. Alarmingly, many of Illinois’ bridges are in a state of
disrepair, posing significant risks. In fact,
65% of bridges statewide are in fair or poor condition. The study
also highlighted that 72% of bridges in Illinois are owned by local
governments, making repair or replacement significantly challenging
due to budget constraints.
“If these deteriorating bridges are not repaired or
replaced, they will be given weight restrictions or be closed,” said
Holst. “If this happens, the resulting detours will increase
transportation costs and travel time for farmers and other roadway
users, negatively impacting farmers’ livelihoods and the overall
health of our state’s economy.”
To read the full study on the economic impact of rural bridges in
Illinois, visit,
ilsoy.org/market-development-study.
About the Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership
programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The
checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government
relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean
Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocate
for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state
and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean
farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the
vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to
ensure their profitability now and for future generations. Learn
more at Ilsoy.org and ilsoygrowers.org.
[Text received from Michael Whitmer]
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