Kansas City, Missouri is gearing up for another explosive event as the Missouri Department of Transportation announces plans for the third blast to bring down the remaining section of the old Buck O’Neil Bridge. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, the demolition blast aims to clear the final arch of the bridge that once stood as a landmark in the area.
Due to safety concerns, the event will not be open to the public, with transportation officials urging drivers to be prepared for intermittent closures on northbound U.S. 169 from 5th St. to Richards Rd. This development follows a previous explosion that took down a segment of the bridge on April 2, causing temporary disruptions for commuters in the vicinity.
Commencing in 2021, construction to replace the aging bridge is ongoing, with the new structure expected to be fully operational by December 2024. In the meantime, drivers are utilizing a newly constructed river bridge to cross the Missouri River. The Missouri Department of Transportation has assured that further specifics regarding the demolition timeline will be released as timeframes are solidified.
As Kansas City embraces this transformative period in its infrastructure development, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the Buck O’Neil Bridge demolition and reconstruction project. With each explosive step forward, the city moves closer to a modernized transportation network that will serve its community for years to come.