More parts of the old Interstate 74 bridge will be brought down with explosives starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Controlled explosives will be used to remove the remaining suspension cables and towers of the old bridges spanning the Mississippi River between Bettendorf and Moline, IDOT officials said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 14.
During this time, the new I-74 bridge will be closed to traffic for about an hour. There will be a posted detour in place. The bicycle and pedestrian path on the new bridge also will be closed for about 24 hours around the time of the demo work. View the detour map and more information here.Â
IDOT officials said access to Leach Park in Bettendorf will be strictly prohibited during this time. Sections of the riverfront path in Bettendorf also will be closed.
The main navigation channel on the river will be closed to all river traffic for up to 24 hours, starting at 6 a.m. on Aug. 27. Areas outside the main navigation channel will be closed for up to 72 hours.
Parts of the old I-74 bridge first were brought down with explosives on June 18. During that event, hundreds of spectators of all ages lined the Moline and Bettendorf riverfronts to witness the historic series of implosions that dropped a pair of towers and key structural cables on the eastbound span of the twin-suspension bridge.
