WASHINGTON – Crews will demolish the old Route 47 Missouri River Bridge in Washington tomorrow. The old bridge will be imploded on Thursday, April 11 around 10:30 a.m.
The public can watch the demolition at the public viewing area, which will be at James W. Rennick Riverfront Park at Elbert Drive and Lafayette Street in downtown Washington. This will be the only public viewing area. There will be a 1,500 foot safety perimeter around the bridge before, during and after the implosion. The only exception will be anyone who lives in a home within that radius. Those residents will be permitted to remain at their homes but will be required to stay inside during the demolition.
In addition, there will be road closures and other restrictions before, during and after the demolition. The following safety precautions will be in place on Thursday, April 11:
- The new Route 47 Missouri River Bridge will be closed to traffic starting at approximately 10:15 a.m. and will remain closed for up to two hours after the blast. Route 47 will be closed to through traffic from Augusta Bottom Road and Fifth Street.
- The Washington boat ramp will close at 7 a.m. Boats will not be allowed to put in or out of the river at that location after that. All river traffic will be stopped 15 minutes before the blast. The channel crossing will remain closed for up to 48 hours after the blast so boaters should plan on staying on the side of the bridge where they put in.
- Airspace around the bridge will be restricted for two hours before and after the demolition. No drones are permitted around the demolition area.
The implosion will be streamed live on the MoDOT St. Louis Facebook page. For more information on Route 47 Missouri River Bridge project, go to
https://www.modot.org/route-47-missouri-river-bridge.