The Helm Group used controlled explosives to topple the two towers and suspension cables. The new, I-74 bridge was closed for more than an hour and re-opened shortly after 8 am on Sunday. Navigation in the main channel of the Mississippi River was closed for about 13 hours, and barge traffic resumed after 7 pm.
The contractor and sub-contractors immediately began removing the tower debris and cables from the river.
Calling it a "smashing success," the project team thanked the Helm Group, Iowa and Illinois DOTs, and others including HNTB, Benesch, Quigg Engineering, Dem-Tech, and WJE. It also thanked the Bettendorf and Moline police and fire departments, plus the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Natural Resources.
The old Iowa-bound, I-74 bridge towers and cables are next on the list for demolition later this summer.
