Final demolition of old Drayton Bridge to be completed today

Bridge implosion — Pieces of the Drayton Bridge lay on the ice and through the ice on the Red River after the old bridge was imploded Tuesday morning. Herald photo by Eric Hylden.

By news@grandforksherald.com

February 28, 2011 at 10:31 AM

The piers of the old Drayton Bridge will be imploded with explosives sometime after 2 p.m. today as part of the final demolition of the bridge.

After the implosion, crews will remove the debris from the area, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Last week crews set off explosive charges to cut the center portion of the steel-truss cantilever bridge.

The public is allowed to watch the explosive charge, but people are required to stay a minimum of 1,500 feet away for safety. Pedestrians, vehicles and boats will not be allowed in a restricted area both on land and water that is 1,500 feet or less away from the bridge.

Those wishing to see the implosion are encouraged to view it from North Dakota Highway 66 west of the bridge.

Highway 66 and Minnesota Highway 11 will be closed to through traffic over the new bridge during the demolition.

Final demolition of old Drayton Bridge to be completed today

The piers of the old Drayton Bridge will be imploded with explosives sometime after 2 p.m. today as part of the final demolition of the bridge. After the implosion, crews will remove the debris from the area, according to the North Dakota Departm...