After some confusion, it appears BNSF has landed on a time and date for the controlled blast of the downed rail bridge in North Sioux City.
Union County Emergency Manager Jason Wescott said the date is set for 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19.
The blast was originally planned for Aug. 16, but that got pushed back.
“Burlington Northern Sante Fe rail line themselves put out another public alert about possible blasting of the train bridge," Wescott said. "They have now secured their permits and they’re in place.”
While a blast may seem extreme, Wescott said it’s a more practical option for the company.
“They looked at possibly trying to get a crane in there and remove the whole bridge in the two chunks its currently in, and I’m guessing they’re probably at max weight limit because it’s a very old bridge – it’s made of total iron, it’s 100% solid," Wescott said. "They’re thinking it might be easier to chunk it up and remove it in pieces instead of trying to remove the whole thing.”
The public is still asked to remain indoors for the blast between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.