McClugage Bridge closure for demolition of piers moved up to this afternoon
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PEORIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that due to threatening weather forecasted, the McClugage Bridge carrying U.S. 150 will close between 1:15-2:30 p.m. today, July 24, as demolition continues on the retired structure.

The full bridge closure, including both directions of U.S. 150 between Illinois 29 (Adams Street) in Peoria and Illinois 116 in East Peoria, is necessary as the contractor utilizes explosives to demolish concrete piers 9 and possibly 10, which are located toward the Peoria side of the bridge.

The closure is expected to last 30 minutes prior to the blast and will reopen as quickly as possible afterward when conditions are safe. Traffic will be routed off U.S. 150 at interchange ramps and will be continuously moving. No stopping on U.S. 150 will be allowed. Illinois 29 (Adams Street) will remain open in both directions.

This will be the ninth event to remove components of the old structure. The demolition schedule following this today’s event will take down several piers with each blast until complete. The last two blasts may take place on Friday and Saturday of this week. The time frame for each blast will be determined each day contingent on weather.

The explosives will be detonated once the roads are closed, the security perimeter is deemed safe and the contractor has performed their final safety checks.

Anyone wishing to watch this or any of the events in person is reminded that a security perimeter around the blast area will be in effect on land and in the water. Pedestrians are also asked to be mindful of venturing onto private property without the property owners’ permission.

Drones will be used by the contractor performing this work to verify a safe and successful detonation. As such, civilian drones will be required to stay at least 1,000 feet north of the bridge and at least 300 feet above the ground. Any incursions into this area may cause postponement of the blast and the drone pilot liable for delays to the contractor. For more information on the project, please visit McClugageBridge.com.