Shaped explosive charges have been used successfully to drop the first of 10 sections of the old Four Bears Bridge in North Dakota. The replacement bridge was completed this month and three days of celebrations begin tomorrow cuminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 3 October.

Explosives subcontractor Demtech this week brought down a 100m section of the old bridge's western end. The large through-truss section of the bridge will be removed next month and the piers will be broken up. Bollander & Sons is the demolition contractor.