Portion of Interstate 70 in Independence reopens early following bridge demolition

A portion of Interstate 70 in Independence reopened ahead of schedule Sunday morning following a bridge demolition, officials said.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said all lanes and ramps to I-70 reopened around 1:15 a.m. following the demolition of the Blue Ridge Boulevard Bridge.

During the demolition, eastbound lanes were closed between Interstate 435 and Noland Road, and westbound lanes were closed between Interstate 470/Missouri 291 and Blue Ridge Boulevard.

The demolition was part of a $5 million to $6 million effort to replace the bridge over I-70 in Independence and make improvements to ramps and approaches in the area, according to a MoDOT Kansas City news release.

Officials said the new bridge should be finished in November.