Work begins on South Dakota side of collapsed Big Sioux River rail bridge

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KCAU) — Teams have begun working on the South Dakota side of Big Sioux River rail bridge in preparation for a controlled blast that is scheduled for Aug. 19 .

“I have had a lot of people who will come in or are just walking by and they’ll talk about wanting to see it, they want to see some big explosion, they want to see something cool happening,” KindCare of South Dakota Dispensary budtender Caitlin Schilling said.

BNSF had rescheduled the dates for the two controlled blasts that will start the removal of the rail bridge. During the time of the blast, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., everyone within 1,000 feet is expected to remain indoors, including nearby businesses.

“I do know that in the area there’s a lot of casinos that are open. Glass Palace has breakfast hours, Beano & Sherry’s also does food service,” Schilling said. “So I imagine that those guys will probably see business hours affected. Honestly, everyone is just kind of interested in what they’re actually going to be doing.”

Ames Construction has notified those in the area that all roads within the area will be closed off during the blast as a safety precaution.

As of now, the second controlled blast is scheduled for Sep. 6 at 9 a.m.

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