Work will continue through the weekend as demolition and construction crews ready for the final blast that will drop the final two spans of the old Memorial Bridge into the Missouri River.

The final blast is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Mike Kopp, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said workers are making the precuts where the shaped charges will be placed.

The western span of the Memorial Bridge was taken down Oct. 6 as thousands of on-lookers lined both sides of the river to get a look at the bridge which was first opened to traffic in 1922.

Kopp said DOT and local law enforcement agencies are in the process of finalizing a map which will mark the boundaries of the restricted zone.

The map, along with information on road closures in the area will be released early next week, he said.

River Road, the recreation trail along River Road, Memorial Highway and the new Memorial Bridge will be closed.

Kopp said some of the road closures will take effect after the morning commute.

In addition, River Road will remain closed for another week as removal of the debris continues on the east side of the river.

"The recreation trail will be opened by this weekend, but closed again during the morning of Oct. 29 when public safety measures are enforced," Kopp said.

Electricians are wiring and connecting lights on the piers below the bridge super structure and the lights on the overlooks.

The lights will be tested during the evenings of the next few days.

"Following the public input received during the planning of the bridge, it is expected that the nighttime view of Memorial Bridge will be an artistic contribution to the beauty of the area," Kopp said.

Other work for next week includes: finish paving approach roads and sidewalks; setting of traffic rail; installing conduit and lighting inside main span girders; landscaping; pavement marking; and setting traffic signals and lighting.

(Reach reporter Brian Gehring 250-8254 or brian.gehring@bismarcktribune.com.)