Interstate 74 demolition: Watch the controlled explosion to demolish parts of old bridge over Mississippi River

Through controlled explosions, the Iowa Department of Transportation on Sunday removed parts of the Interstate 74 which connects Iowa and Illinois over the Mississippi River. The process of complete demolition of the I-74 bridge would be completed by 2024, officials have said.

As per reports, some areas were entirely sealed off before the demolition process began, including the main navigation in the river which is set to be closed for up to 24 hours after the explosions. The demolition is being carried out by the contractor, Helm Group, which used the controlled explosives to remove the suspension cables and towers on I-74 bridge.

In a press release dated June 5, the Iowa Department of Transportation had said that the areas outside the main navigation channel will be shut for up to 72 hours. Remarkably, the bridge spans over the Mississippi River between Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois.

Watch demolition of parts of I-74 bridge:

Interstate 74 is set to be completely demolished by next year, as per the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). It also said that the bridge traffic is “overcapacity” which has further led to long delays and frequent need for repairs. IDOT also said that a a new bridge was needed to “accommodate current and future traffic volumes”.

The construction of the new project was kickstarted in July 2017. The Iowa-bound bridge was opened to the public in November 2020. However, the Illinois-bound bridge was functional in December 2021.

The new project, costing reportedly about $1 billion consists of the reconstruction of 5.5 miles of I-74 bridge which would also include new river bridges over the Mississippi River replacing the old suspension bridges.

FAQs:

When will I-74 demolition be completed?
Interstate 74 is set to be completely demolished by next year, as per the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). It also said that the bridge traffic is “overcapacity” which has further led to long delays and frequent need for repairs. IDOT also said that a new bridge was needed to “accommodate current and future traffic volumes”.

When did construction for the new project replacing I-74 start?
The construction of the new project was kickstarted in July 2017. The Iowa-bound bridge was opened to the public in November 2020. However, the Illinois-bound bridge was functional in December 2021.