Delays continue as Rocheport bridge reconstruction causes traffic congestion
ROCHEPORT, Mo. (KMIZ)
The novelty of being the first people over the new Rocheport bridge has worn off as drivers continue to experience delays Saturday night. These delays will continue for the rest of the weekend.
Route BB bridge over I-70 is being demolished for reconstruction. No matter which side you are going from, you can expect about a 15-minute delay. Drivers can expect delays this weekend until 5 a.m. on Monday.
Drivers were directed over the ramps at exit 115 and back onto I-70 where it expanded back into two lanes. Route BB traffic is not able to access eastbound I-70 at the overpass.
Officials are urging drivers to pay attention to the road as they approach the bridge because there are sudden changes in speed due to detours and reroutes.
The Boone County Fire Protection District and Cooper County Fire Department will work together in order to ensure delays won't affect their response times in the case of an emergency.
However, the traffic is still a hindrance for law enforcement. ABC 17 crews saw a police cruiser who had their lights on and was forced to speed down the side of the road as the traffic merged into one lane because there was simply nowhere to go.
The detours appear to be frustrating residents as well. ABC 17 crews observed two cars drive cones over cones and then get out of their cars to move three others in order to get through a roadblock into Rocheport.
