Explosives To Demolish Rest Of Old Bridge Between Iowa & Illinois

Just when you thought the fun of blowing up the old I-74 Mississippi River bridge was over, we get news like this.

Officials from the Iowa DOT say there is still a little bit left of the old I-74 bridge that needs to come down. They plan on taking those pieces down with more explosives which also means road closures.

Contractors to remove several piers of the old I-74 bridge Oct. 15

The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to use controlled explosives during the removal of several piers from the old I-74 bridge over the Mississippi River between Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois. The demolition operation is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 15 beginning as early as 7 a.m., weather permitting.

On Aug. 27th, the westbound portion of the old I-74 bridge was taken down via explosives. Eastbound was taken down earlier this summer on June 18th.

The demolition contractor, Helm Group, will use controlled explosives to remove the piers. The use of explosives will require a temporary closure of the new I-74 bridge to vehicles and pedestrians. The river will also be temporarily closed to commercial traffic and pleasure boaters.

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Mississippi River closed to commercial traffic and pleasure boaters

To ensure public safety during this demolition operation, officials say certain areas will be temporarily closed. The main navigation channel in the river will be closed for up to 24 hours, starting at 6 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Areas outside the main navigation channel will be closed for up to 72 hours. Local law enforcement will be on-site monitoring the river during the demolition process.

New bridge temporarily closed to traffic and pedestrians

The entire new bridge will be closed to traffic for approximately one hour on Sunday morning, with a posted detour in place. Through traffic will be routed to I-80 and I-280. Local traffic will be directed to use the Centennial Bridge in Davenport to cross the river and then routed to either downtown Bettendorf to get to westbound I-74 or downtown Moline to get to eastbound I-74.

The bike and pedestrian path on the new bridge will be closed for approximately 24 hours beginning the night of Oct. 14 and will be closely monitored by local law enforcement.

Riverfront path closed in Bettendorf

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to view the Restricted Area Map. Access to this area, including Leach Park in Bettendorf, will be strictly prohibited. Sections of the riverfront path in Bettendorf will be closed.

Access to the businesses on State Street and the Isle Casino Hotel will remain open. Additionally, the parking lot adjacent to the new bridge in Bettendorf will be closed to the public.

View demolition online

View the demolition online by accessing the project webcams at iowadot.gov/i74riverbridge.

One final blast to remove the remaining piers is expected sometime this winter. For further information and updates on the demolition progress, visit this website.