From the Rocheport Times archives — originally published August 2023 on the old rocheporttimes.com.
On September 10, 2023 MODOT will offer some excitement for nearby residents with the Rocheport Bridge demolition. This is the day they are planning on blowing up the old Rocheport Bridge anytime between 7am and 10am. The scheduled time is for 7:30am.
The demolition will have impacts on traffic
Please check current Road Closures when planning an alternate route during your morning commute. Or join us as we watch the spectacle from Rocheport, either at the Katy Trail or other nearby locations (see below). Check for Road Closures as you drive into Rocheport too since the Route BB bridge is still closed and there are only a couple of ways in and out of town.
There is going to be a lot of moving parts (and not so moving parts) to the event. You can expect:
- I-70 to be shut down while they prepare to blow up the bridge. MODOT estimates the process will last up to one (1) hour after the demolition for recovery and clearing the Missouri River.
- The Katy Trail is going to be shut down on either side of the bridge. So while biking or walking on the trail to a spot where you can view the bridge is an option, no reports have been released yet about exactly how close people can get if they are on the trail.
Places you may be able to see the demolition
- I-70
- The Bistro
- The A-Frame Winegarden
- Katy Trail near Rocheport
- Visit the MODOT Rocheport web site with a live stream
Some other considerations
- The governor of Missouri is planning on visiting the area.
- All shops and cafes are expected to be open after the event as usual. As of yet, earlier hours have not been announced for the shops or cafes.
- Public restrooms are located at the Rocheport Depot on the Katy Trail.
Please see local news sources for more details: