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I-70 Rocheport Bridge


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Dean from Columbia on 7/25/2019 12:14:14 PM:
Has anyone seen plans on the new I-70 Bridge at Rocheport? I'm wondering what impact construction will have on the Katy between Rocheport and Huntsdale. We had an information meeting from MoDOT last night, but I missed it.

 
Rocheport Guy from Rocheport on 7/27/2019 3:09:53 PM:
Plans for the new I-70 bridge at Rocheport are not yet available and probably don't yet exist---in final form. Federal funding, which was in doubt, came through for $80+million of the needed $240 million for new construction. That leaves $160 million yet to be accounted for at the state level. Bonds and other funding gadgets will probably provide necessary $. Best case scenario, construction may start in 2021-22. I believe the current plan gives 2 years for construction. I'd guess the trail will stay open as a construction tunnel for the trail will be built through the site. This is what happened during the last bridge rehab several years ago. We in Rocheport are very pleased that old bridge rehab lasting at least 9 months is off the table. I-70 would have been restricted to one lane East and one lane West for the entire reconstruction period. This would have been a traffic nightmare and would have been a real problem for Rocheport business survival.

 
Dean from Columbia on 7/28/2019 7:59:26 AM:
Thanks for the insight, Guy. My thru ride stopped at Rocheport the night of the tornado, and I'd like to make plans for another go. Good to hear that the last time they worked on the bridge they made accommodations for the Katy.

MODoT is scheduled to have a meeting 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 at Boonville High School regarding the bridge. I may try and attend if I can find word they are still going to meet.