LANSING, Iowa — October 2025 — The Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, better known as the Black Hawk Bridge, will officially close permanently later this month after serving as a critical connection between Iowa and Wisconsin for nearly a century.
Built in 1931, the 1,700-foot steel truss bridge has long been a regional landmark, linking Iowa Highway 9 in Lansing with Wisconsin Highway 82 in rural Crawford County. The bridge endured decades of service and even a 12-year closure from 1945 to 1957 after severe ice dam damage. Now, officials from both states have confirmed it will shut down for good as construction ramps up on its modern replacement.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) jointly announced that the existing bridge will close permanently at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20.
“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,” said Iowa DOT Director Scott Marler.
Following the closure, crews will begin demolition and removal of the aging bridge to clear the way for the new $140 million structure, which is slated to open by 2027. Engineers from both states determined that continued use of the existing bridge would pose safety risks as heavy construction progresses nearby.
Officials cited multiple factors behind the bridge’s replacement — including its aging structural condition, safety concerns, and narrow geometry that makes travel difficult for modern trucks and large vehicles.
To minimize community disruption, WisDOT and Iowa DOT are launching a free car ferry service beginning in early November to transport vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians across the Mississippi River until the new bridge opens.
Construction is already underway on ferry landings at both ends of the river.
Additional site improvements include:
The ferry will accommodate two-axle vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, but not larger vehicles such as trucks, buses, or trailers. Those traveling with large vehicles will need to follow marked detours, with the nearest alternate bridge located 30 miles south on U.S. 18, connecting Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Marquette, Iowa.
The Black Hawk Bridge stands as a piece of engineering history — one of the last remaining riveted cantilever truss bridges over the Mississippi River. Its closure marks the end of an era for the communities of Lansing, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin, which have relied on it for generations of commerce, travel, and local identity.
The new bridge, currently under construction beside the old structure, is designed with modern load standards, improved traffic flow, and safer geometry to support both regional freight and daily commuters. Once complete, it will feature wider lanes, a pedestrian and bicycle path, and enhanced navigation clearance for river traffic.
The decision to close the old bridge ahead of schedule underscores the importance of safety as crews enter key construction phases for the new span.
Both transportation departments have pledged to keep the public informed throughout the transition. Updates on the bridge closure, ferry schedules, and construction milestones will be provided through:
As the Black Hawk Bridge prepares for its final day of service, local officials are encouraging patience and cooperation from travelers.
“Our goal is to keep the community connected during construction and ensure that the new bridge honors the history of this landmark while meeting the needs of future generations,” Marler said.
Originally reported by David Drew in B105.
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