Blasting near I-70’s Rocheport bridge project will close I-70 on Sunday, weather permitting

The state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging you to avoid I-70 and the area around mid-Missouri’s Rocheport bridge on Sunday morning, as crews prepare to blast footings of the old bridge.

That old bridge was built in 1960, when Dwight David Eisenhower was president.

MoDOT says that for the safety of motorists as well as its own crews and contractors, I-70 and a perimeter area around the blast must be closed during and immediately following the blast, which is set for 8 am Sunday. MoDOT is urging motorists and truckers to avoid using I-70 and the area around the Rocheport bridge Sunday morning from 7:30 until 9:30. MoDOT says the majority of the blast will be underwater and that crews will inspect the new westbound bridge after the blast to ensure all debris is clear.

MoDOT also says the massive $220-million new I-70 Rocheport bridge project is on-time, with both bridges scheduled to open in December 2024.