Last blast for old Mississippi River bridge's steel truss set

The final blast to remove the steel truss of the 76-year-old Mississippi River bridge at Cape Girardeau will be held at 7 a.m. Wednesday, weather permitting, Missouri Department of Transportation officials said Friday.

The demolition won't require downtown residents to evacuate their homes as occurred with a blast earlier this month.

The fact this span partially collapsed into the river as a result of a blast on Sept. 9 eliminates the need for an evacuation, MoDOT officials said.

"Now that the steel has dropped down to near the river, the contractor has less concern for flying debris," said MoDOT senior construction inspector Rick Lamb.

Traffic on the nearby Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge will be halted for about 10 minutes to allow for the blast. Air and water traffic also will be kept away from the blast area, officials said.

KFVS12 reporter C.J. Cassidy is scheduled to be at the riverfront to push a ceremonial button to activate the blast. Cassidy won the honor in a drawing last year as part of opening festivities for the Emerson Bridge. The new bridge opened in December, prompting the closure of the old truss bridge.

Demolition blasts to bring down the old bridge began in early August. Once the steel is removed, additional blasts will be needed to raze the remaining concrete piers.