I-70 Rocheport Bridge reduced to one lane Thursday morning, has since opened

ROCHEPORT, MO. (KMIZ)

At 6 a.m. Thursday, the I-70 Rocheport Bridge was down to one lane while MoDOT added river navigation lights to the westbound bridge.

According to a press release from MoDOT, the work was expected to last until 9 a.m. The lane reopened shortly after.

The one-lane restriction began just west of Exit 115.

Currently, both westbound and eastbound travelers are using the westbound bridge as construction continues on the eastbound.

MoDOT said travelers heading eastbound should not have been impacted by Thursday's work.

Travelers who planned to use the bridge Thursday were advised by MoDot to stay alert, obey the work-zone speed limit, and pay attention to signs and traffic controllers.

An alternate route was an option for people looking to avoid the delays.

Drivers could've take Highway 40 between Booneville and Midway to avoid bridge construction and traffic.

According to the code of federal regulations, river navigation lights are required to be on all U.S. bridges over boat traveling waterways.

Their purpose is to prevent collisions between boats and the bridge.

MoDOT also says the multi-million dollar project is running on time and both bridges are scheduled to be in full operation Dec. 31st, 2024.