RELATED: I-71 in Warren County to be blocked Sunday for bridge implosion
A connection to one of the charges came loose, Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Bruning said, explaining why the first attempt fell short.
“You have to expect the unexpected, you know?” he said. “Certainly anything can go any way.”
Demolition crews then set new charges to bring down what remained, using two detonations simultaneously to save time. The second set of implosions didn’t occur until about 11:45 a.m.
Local photographer Mark Newberg was concerned after the first attempt failed to take down the entire structure, which could have delayed traffic along I-71.
RELATED:I-71 bridge to reopen after six years of construction gridlock
“It’s a big inconvenience, it’s a major highway between Cincinnati and Columbus,” Newberg said.
Newberg, who says he takes photos for local media outlets, said he was happy to be part of the experience.
“When something’s big going on, I like to capture photos,” he said. “It was an opportunity and I wanted to get the best shots I could.”
MORE: Video story on completion of Morrow bridge construction
Both directions on I-71 in Turtlecreek Twp. were reopened shortly before 2 p.m. During the demolition, traffic was detoured along state routes.
What fell Sunday was the last structure from the bridge opened to traffic on Nov. 19, 1964.
ODOT replaced the bridge with a new one that took six years and $104 million in construction to build. Final work is to be completed by July 31. The rest area just south of the bridge is set to reopen June 1.
An estimated 40,000 vehicles a day travel through the area.
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