Demolition of Rocheport Bridge: Interstate 70 Closure and Construction Update

Demolition of Rocheport Bridge: The Rocheport Bridge, a vital transportation artery crossing the Missouri River, is set to undergo a significant transformation as it prepares for demolition and reconstruction.

This article provides essential information about the upcoming demolition, its implications for travelers, and the anticipated benefits of the new bridge.

Introduction

Rocheport, Missouri The Rocheport Bridge, a prominent feature of Interstate 70, is scheduled for demolition on Sunday morning, causing temporary closures on this crucial highway.

The purpose of this endeavor is to pave the way for the construction of a modern replacement bridge that will improve traffic flow and safety.

Demolition Day Details

On the morning of the demolition, both directions of Interstate 70 will be temporarily closed. This closure is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of travelers and construction crews.
The demolition is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2023, and will involve blasting the bridge’s truss, the upper steel section extending above the roadway.

Traffic Management

To mitigate traffic congestion during the demolition, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will initiate rolling roadblocks on Interstate 70 at 8:30 a.m.
Law enforcement personnel from the Highway Patrol will be deployed to establish a secure barrier between traffic and the bridge,
ensuring that no unauthorized access occurs via the Katy Trail or river bottoms.

Safety First

Safety is a paramount concern during this demolition process.
Project director Mike Schupp emphasizes that the closure and safety measures are in place to protect the public.
Over 1,000 feet of truss and 6 million pounds of steel will plunge into the Missouri River during the blast, making safety precautions critical.

Livestreaming the Event

For those interested in witnessing this significant event, MO DOT will be livestreaming the demolition on KOMU.com on Sunday morning.
This provides a safe and convenient way for the public to observe the proceedings without risking their safety.

What’s Next?

Following the completion of the demolition and the removal of any debris from the river, the construction of the new Rocheport Bridge will commence.
This new bridge is expected to open in late 2024 and will feature three lanes for both eastbound and westbound traffic, significantly improving traffic capacity and flow.

Traveler’s Advisory

Travelers planning to be on the road Sunday morning are advised to either depart before the demolition or seek alternate routes to avoid traffic delays resulting from the closure.
MoDOT recommends avoiding the area completely between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. to ensure a smooth journey.

Bridge Background

The Rocheport Bridge, originally constructed in 1960 and refurbished in 1990, underwent its most recent repairs in 2016 and 2017.
However, the need for major rehabilitation became apparent, as further repairs would only extend the bridge’s lifespan by approximately a decade.
Currently, the Rocheport Bridge supports a daily traffic load of 34,000 vehicles and 8,227 commercial vehicles, underscoring its critical role in regional transportation.

Conclusion

The impending demolition of the Rocheport Bridge marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in the region.

While the temporary closure of Interstate 70 may inconvenience travelers, the long-term benefits of a modernized bridge with increased capacity
and improved safety are well worth the temporary inconvenience.
Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project as it progresses toward its late 2024 completion date. Safe travels to all!

More at: Trended Facts