See MoDOT Detonate The Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport [Video]
After a slight delay due to fog, Missouri's Department of Transportation detonated the truss structure of the old Missouri River Bridge near Rocheport this morning, September 10, 2023.
The new span of the bridge, which will eventually carry traffic westbound, but currently carrying traffic in both directions re-opened about 9:30 AM CDT.
If you missed the detonation you can watch it here:
MoDOT says the new Rocheport bridge carrying Interstate 70 over the Missouri River will actually be twin bridges. The westbound bridge is complete and temporarily carrying all traffic in both directions. And the eastbound bridge, which will be constructed where the old Rocheport bridge was. Both bridges are being built to carry four lanes of traffic over the river and are expected to last 100 years. MoDOT says this design will make bridge repairs easier and alleviate backups on Interstate 70 near the bridge.
The $220 million dollar project was started in early 2022 and is on track to be completed with both bridges open to traffic in December 2024 according to MoDOT.
The original Rocheport Bridge was opened in 1960 and was completely rehabbed in 1994.