Planned explosion causes damage to Rocheport Bridge, Eastbound Interstate 70 re-opened, driving lane still closed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation tells drivers to expect delays after a scheduled explosion damaged the Rocheport bridge on Sunday morning. The controlled explosion was part of the demolition of the piers from the old Missouri River bridge.

A piece of debris from the blast tore up the road in the Eastbound lane over the Rocheport Bridge. The road has since been repaired. According to a press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the passing lane of Eastbound Interstate 70 has reopened over the Rocheport bridge near mile marker 115.

However, a MoDOT spokesperson told ABC 17 News that Eastbound traffic has been reduced to one lane as crews wait for the asphalt to settle. The right-hand driving lane is expected to open Monday at 6 a.m.

MoDOT is also urging drivers to follow the posted speed limit over the bridge as crews will be on the road checking the cure rate close to the traveling public.

Westbound I-70 will remain open across the bridge.

A Boone County Fire Protection District spokesman said contractors performed a scheduled explosion as part of the demolition of the piers from the old Missouri River bridge Sunday morning. The road closed shortly after the explosions.

Several viewers reported hearing the explosions from miles away.