Controlled demolition of the old eastbound McClugage Bridge structure began earlier this month and will continue into the spring, according to a spokesperson with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“It’s not an implosion,” said IDOT’s Kimberly Hoskins. “It’s a piece-by-piece concrete removal process that’s going to happen over the next several months.”
Because of this, IDOT announced Thursday the left lane of westbound U.S. Route 150 will be closed just before the McClugage Bridge starting on Monday, Feb. 3 — 17 days after demolition began on Saturday, Jan. 18.
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The lane closure is expected to remain in place for two weeks followed by intermittent daytime lane closures, as necessary, until demolition is complete. Hoskins said crews have begun removing sections of the bridge, and starting Feb. 3 will need a lane for dump trucks to transport concrete from the span to a recycling center.
IDOT reminded travelers the area of the McClugage Bridge remains an active work zone. Motorists should allow extra time for trips and consider using alternative routes. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.
IDOT will release more information as the demolition proceeds. You can find updates on the project at mcclugagebridge.com.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Old McClugage Bridge span demolition begins. Lane closures expected