Lansing bridge — the only Mississippi River crossing for 60 miles — is closing permanently

A Mississippi River bridge, a transportation lifeline connecting Lansing in northeast Iowa to Wisconsin, is set to close in October.

Iowa and Wisconsin transportation departments determined in July that the Black Hawk Bridge would need to be demolished to allow for safe construction of a replacement bridge. As the only passage across the Mississippi River between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, a roughly 60-mile stretch, the steel-grated bridge has deteriorated over time.

Both states will partner to offer a free car ferry to assist residents in interstate travel until the new bridge is completed, with a projected completion date in spring 2027.

When will the Lansing Bridge close over the Mississippi River?

The Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa, will close at approximately 7 a.m. Oct. 20.

In July, state transportation officials determined that the steel bridge had to be demolished after two closures since construction began in 2023. It closed in early 2024 due to observed displacement. A second closure occurred in May when sensors detected movement in the bridge.

Where are the ferry landings for the Lansing Bridge closure?

On the Iowa side of the river, the landing will be at the Lansing Marina. In Wisconsin, the landing will be just south of the new bridge and adjacent to the construction staging area, according to the Iowa DOT.

The free ferry will begin in early November after ferry landings are installed on both sides of the river. The exact opening date for the ferry will be announced as construction progresses on the landing, according to the Iowa DOT.

“We are very pleased that federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the city of Lansing, could work together and quickly approve the necessary steps to allow us to provide this critical service,” said Iowa DOT Director Scott Marler. “These approvals will allow us to install the infrastructure needed for a car ferry to keep our communities connected when the old bridge needs to be closed.”

Other site improvements include installing ferry docks, a vehicle queuing area for the ferry, signage and lights. The ferry can serve two-axle vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

What other routes are available during the Black Hawk Bridge closure?

Marked detour routes will be available during the closure. The nearest bridge is roughly 30 miles south at U.S. 18 connecting Marquette, Iowa, to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Trucks, buses, trailers and other large vehicles too big for the ferry will have to follow the road detours.

When will the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing be demolished?

After the Black Hawk Bridge closure, crews can begin demolition and removal of the old structure, according to the Iowa DOT. Transportation officials from both states determined that future construction on the new bridge posed a risk to the safety of the existing bridge, requiring demolition to precede building.

Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Lansing bridge — the only Mississippi River crossing for 60 miles — is closing permanently

Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register

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