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.
“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.