Overpass demolition to temporarily close lanes on Interstate 70 near Columbia next weekend

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is asking drivers to avoid part of Interstate 70 west of Columbia next weekend.

Crews plan to start the demolition of the Sorrels Overpass Drive bridge over the interstate next Friday night. MoDOT sped up the demolition project after a truck crashed into the bridge on Oct. 18.

The overpass was previously scheduled to be replaced next year.

According to the department, drivers should expect to find overnight road closures and roadblocks that could last up to 15 minutes next weekend.

"While we are working to limit traffic impacts as much as possible, drivers will experience slower traffic and longer commutes as they come through the area on I-70," said MoDOT Assistant District Engineer Randy Aulbur.

Crews are expected to wrap up the demolition of the bridge by next Monday morning.

The construction of a new overpass is expected to start late this winter or early in the spring.