STERLING – With the brand new First Avenue Bridge as a backdrop, Gov. Pat Quinn said Monday afternoon that the new span is symbolic of things to come for the state of Illinois.

“The bridge that connects the two communities is a very important metaphor for all of us,” Quinn said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the foot of the bridge in Rock Falls. “We have to be bridge builders in Illinois and America.”

The $27 million rebuild was completed a month ahead of schedule, officially opening Oct. 15. Freeport-based Civil Constructors began work on the project in mid-January.