Blasting on I-270 Begins Tuesday, Interstate Will Shut Down

The  is warning drivers to expect delays and avoid the area on Interstate-270 between Manchester and Big Bend roads during rock blasting times.

Beginning Tuesday, there will be daily lane closures on I-270 from Manchester Road to Big Bend in both directions for up to 15 minutes at a time all week long.

The closures will take place at approximately 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m, Kara Price, spokesperson for MoDOT previously told Patch.

During the closures, road crews will blast rock and then clear any rock from the interstate before reopening the lanes. However, there is the chance closures can last longer than 15 minutes so drivers are advised to avoid that stretch of road from 9:50 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then again from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The closures are part of the I-270 road widening project that is underway from Manchester Road to I-44. The portion of I-270 near I-44 will remain open this week, but in coming weeks the blasting will move farther south on I-270.

The entire project will take all summer, the blasting will be done over the next few weeks and in segments between Manchester Road and I-44.

MoDOT will continue to send Patch updates as the blasting continues.

Drivers should use caution and pay attention in these work zones. There has already been one deadly crash in this work zone since construction began.

Plus, police tell Patch an "inattentive driver" near MoDOT work crews likely caused Monday's multi-car crash on Highway 40 near Mason Road.

For additonal info on road projects or on how to avoid the work zones, drivers can call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit its website at www.modot.org.