I-70 traffic to be impacted by geological testing near Rocheport Bridge

BOONE/COOPER COUNTY – Motorists traveling along Interstate 70 will see some activity at the Missouri River Bridge near Rocheport Saturday and Sunday.

Missouri Department of Transportation contractors will be boring through the bridge deck to collect soil samples and rock characteristics of the land below as crews prepare for the construction of the new bridge. The samples will be used to help with the creation of design plans for the new bridge.

This process will require the closure of the westbound driving lane from the Route BB interchange to one mile west of the bridge. That closure is scheduled to take place from Friday, April 9 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, April 11 at 6 a.m. If crews are unable to complete the work during that time, they will return and close the westbound driving lane in the same location the following weekend.

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 for the new bridge.