First Champ Clark Bridge Implosion Moved Back Two Hours

The time window for the first implosion of the old Champ Clark Bridge Friday has been moved back two hours.

Citing unsafe working conditions to prepare for the demolition due to high winds, officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation now say the implosion of the two Missouri truss spans will take place in a window between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday.

MODOT requests that anyone coming to Louisiana to view the blast avoid parking along Highways 79 or 54 and be prepared to walk to areas deemed safe to watch the implosion.

Two safe areas for viewing include the Louisiana riverfront on the south side of the bridge, near the Massman Construction project offices on Water Street and at the south end of Riverview Park.

MODOT also suggests that another safe way to watch is to go to their Northeast District Facebook page, where video of the blast will be streamed live.

The two Illinois truss spans will be imploded in about two weeks.