Around 6 p.m. tonight, Ironton residents will hear a big boom as contractors blast part of the hill in Russell, Kentucky as part of the Russell viaduct bridge replacement project.

Traffic will be stopped on U.S. 23, and the Oakley C. Collins Bridge for approximately five minutes before the blast.

Motorists should expect delays and seek alternate routes.

The blasting is part of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s $20 million project to replace the 82-year-old and deficient, viaduct bridge, improving safety and daily traffic flow with a new “flyover” bridge.

The project is expected to last into summer 2021.