PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — Traffic across the new Missouri River bridge connecting Pierre and Ft. Pierre will be interrupted for a half-hour on Monday morning, so that the contractor can demolish some of the old bridge next to it.
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the new US 14/83 bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to 9:30 am CT, while the contractor uses explosives known as shaped charges for removal of girders on the old structure.
There will be designated viewing areas for people to watch the event. Boats and pedestrian traffic beneath the bridge will be closed for 24 hours.
“All vehicular, pedestrian, and river traffic will be prohibited to enter the restricted area during the bridge girder removal process. Commuters should adjust their travel schedule across the bridge or plan an alternate route during the girder removal and bridge closure,” a SDDOT statement said.
Motorists can take an alternative route to cross the Missouri River at Oahe Dam utilizing S.D. Highway 1806, S.D. Highway 204, and S.D. Highway 1804.
Two-way traffic shifted onto the new bridge in August. Since then, crews have been taking apart the old bridge. Plazas on the Pierre and Ft. Pierre sides are being constructed for the new bridge.
