Lane closures on I-70’s Blanchette Bridge
The Missouri Department of Transportation closed three of five lanes on westbound Interstate 70 at the Blanchette Bridge today for emergency repairs.
Crews are repairing a crack found in a secondary steel support beam, similar in nature to one that was fixed about two months ago. It was discovered during an inspection. Lanes will be reopened before Tuesday morning rush hour, according to MoDOT.
“We want to assure motorists that the bridge is safe for travel,” said Ed Hassinger, district engineer, in an issued statement. “The lane restrictions are required to give our crews room to safely make the repairs.”
The Blanchette Bridge is between St. Charles and St. Louis counties, over the Missouri River. Expect delays.


Secondary steel supports are not supposed to crack under normal strain. And this is hardly the first instance of structural issues with this bridge. Perhaps MoDOT should spend a few bucks and see if the design of this bridge is strong as it is supposed to be before this thing does a Minneapolis-like dive into the river…