“Although this morning’s blast did not lower the last half of the last remaining section as much as the contractor had intended, this latest blast may have lowered it enough that other options for removal can now be considered,” Matt Bruning, spokesman for ODOT said.
RELATED: Third implosion in four weeks
“ODOT will work closely with the contractor to ensure they create a plan, at no additional cost to taxpayers, to quickly and safely complete the job they were hired to do,” he added.
WATCH: Section of Jeremiah Morrow Bridge is imploded
The first attempt was made April 23. Motorists have been inconvenienced for about a month due to southbound I-71 between the Ohio 73 and Ohio 48 exits being closed on Sunday mornings to complete the demolitions.
The remaining structure was the last piece of the bridge that opened to traffic on Nov. 19, 1964. The concrete, and steel overhanging the river, on the southbound span had already been removed.
ODOT replaced the bridge with a new one after six years and $104 million in construction. Final work, including reopening of the rest area, is to completed by July 31.
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