Blasting operations to begin soon near I-70 Rocheport bridge

State transportation crews say mid-Missouri motorists will see lane closures and delays over the next several weeks on I-70 near the Rocheport bridge.

State Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews will be starting blasting work north of I-70 and east of the Missouri River, to prepare for the new $240-million bridge to be built. MoDOT will work with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to conduct 15-minute road closures while blasting takes place, to protect motorists driving through the area.

MoDOT says they want to make sure that the road is all clear and that no rock has made it to the roadway.

U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville), who represents Rocheport on Capitol Hill, describes the bridge project as crucial to the region. She helped push for the $81-million federal grant for the new bridge.