The implosion of the former Route 178 bridge in Utica over the Illinois River is postponed until the first week of February because of inclement weather this week, said Illinois Department of Transportation officials.

A press release will be issued 48 hours prior to the blasting. A public viewing area will be set up near the Utica Village Hall.

The new bridge, which features walkways to Starved Rock State Park, was opened this fall and is operational.

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The approaches and surface to the old Route 178 bridge have been removed recently. The bridge will be detonated as soon as next week. The bridge was built in 1962 with a Cantilevered Warren truss design. It spans 377.8 feet above the Illinois River. According to Bridgehunter.com the bridge adveraged 1,500 cars a day. (Scott Anderson)