Illinois Route 84 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 6 (US 6) south of Colona in Henry County. From US 6, it heads north into the Green Rock neighborhood of Colona, crossing the Hennepin Canal on the south side of town. Colona and Green Rock were separate communities, but in 1997, became the first communities in Illinois to merge.[3] Route 84 curves to the west, becomes a four-lane road, and crosses the Rock River into Rock Island County.
Continuing north, IL 84 is now following the Great River Road. It passes Campbell's Island and passes through Hampton. Southeast of Rapids City is the interchange with Interstate 80. Due to the proximity of the Mississippi River, the interchange is a partial cloverleaf, as a diamond interchange would extend over the river.[5] The route follows the bend in the river north through Rapids City and Port Byron.
North of Port Byron, IL 84 travels to the north-northeast towards Cordova. Three miles (4.8 km) north of Cordova, the highway separates the Cordova Dragway Park to the east and the Quad Cities Nuclear Generating Station, operated by Exelon, to the west. Between the nuclear plant and Albany lies a small industrial area bordered by the Mississippi River. Across the road lies irrigated crop land of Rock Island and Whiteside Counties.
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History
The bridge over the Galena River in Galena. This bridge is part of the Illinois Route 84 / U.S. Highway 20 route.
In 1955, Illinois 84 was applied on a former alignment of U.S. Route 6. In 1964, Illinois 84 arrived at its current terminus, replacing then Illinois Route 80 north to Galena due to construction of Interstate 80 through the Quad Cities.[2]
US 6 in Colona
I-80 in East Moline
US 30 in Fulton
US 52 / IL 64 in Savanna
US 20 in Elizabeth
WIS 80 in Galena
