AASHTO Journal - Iowa, Wisconsin Proceed with Revised Bridge Plan

The Iowa Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Transportation are proceeding with a “revised plan” for building a new Iowa 9/WIS 82 bridge over the Mississippi River between Lansing, IA, and Crawford County, WI.

[Above photo by the Iowa DOT]

The revised plan requires closure and demolition of the existing bridge – also known as the Black Hawk Bridge – in fall of 2025 to ensure that the new bridge can be safely constructed and opened as planned in 2027, both agencies said in a statement.

While recognizing the impact of this bridge demolition and construction project on the local communities involved, both state DOT’s stressed that this revised plan “ensures safety” for motorists, construction workers, rail traffic, and Mississippi River traffic.

[Editor’s note: In September 2024, Iowa DOT – with support from Wisconsin DOT and the Federal Highway Administration – released a 25-minute documentary film about the Black Hawk Bridge and of the local communities surrounding it.]

Thus, this fall, the agencies will close the existing bridge to traffic, though the exact date has not been finalized. Crews will then demolish and remove the old structure so that full construction can continue to meet the planned 2027 opening for the new bridge.

Since construction began in late 2023, project engineers temporarily closed the existing bridge twice. The first closure occurred in early 2024 due to observed displacement, and the bridge was then re-opened following limited stabilizing work. The second closure happened in May due to sensor-detected movement, and the bridge was reopened following a detailed inspection and engineering analysis.

While Iowa DOT and Wisconsin DOT will maintain viable roadway detours during bridge demolition and construction, they are also investigating opportunities for alternative river crossings to support businesses, institutions, and individuals in both their respective states. That may include restoration of the water taxi service offered during previous closures or other options, they said.