Future bridge story...
Update—MO-DOT closed 2 lanes of the older span of the Blanchette Bridge on June 17, 2009, when a large crack was found in one of the cross-beams that supports the deck. A third lane was closed the morning of June 18, 2009. Crews were able to repair the cracked beam during the day, and the bridge was fully open to traffic shortly after 4:00 PM on the afternoon of the 18th.
Update—on the afternoon of July 13, 2009, we learned that for the second time within a month that MO-DOT has temporarily closed three of the five westbound lanes of the Blanchette Bridge due to a cracked beam. This beam is parallel to the beam that was repaired in June.
Update—on March 12, 2010, we once again find that MO-DOT has closed two westbound lanes on the Blanchette Bridge due to structural problems at an expansion joint.
The photo above and next 4 photos show a crossing of the Blanchette Memorial Bridge from the east heading to the west.
