WisDOT Schedules Demolition of Black Hawk Bridge
Key Highlights
- The Black Hawk Bridge demolition is scheduled for Dec. 18, clearing the way for the replacement bridge.
- Safety measures include a clear zone, road and river closures, and suspension of the local car ferry service.
- The new bridge construction began in 2023 and is projected to open in 2027, improving traffic safety and connectivity across the Mississippi River.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Iowa Department of Transportation have scheduled the demolition of the Black Hawk Bridge, which links Crawford County, Wis., to Lansing, Iowa, spanning the Mississippi River, according to a WisDOT news release.
The controlled implosion is set for Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and will make way for the continued construction of the new bridge being built just feet away from the 94-year-old existing structure, according to The Gazette.
Safety Measures and Traffic Impacts
The planned implosion of the existing bridge, which has been closed to traffic since October, will be followed by debris removal from the Mississippi River, WisDOT’s release states.
To ensure public safety, WisDOT is implementing a clear zone around the demolition site and contacting nearby property owners to mitigate potential impacts from falling debris, the news release states.
The car ferry service that began in November will suspend operations after the final crossing on Dec. 17 and resume Dec. 21, The Gazette reported.
According to WisDOT, Iowa Highway 26 will likely be closed during the demolition due to its location within the clear zone.
Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will halt commercial traffic on the Mississippi River, and recreational boat traffic will also be restricted from the clear zone, WisDOT noted.
The planned demolition could be delayed due to weather or unforeseen factors, WisDOT reported, with finalized details on safety measures and the clear zone to be shared with the public on Dec. 15.
Construction of the new Mississippi River crossing began in 2023, according to The Gazette, and is slated for completion in 2027. The Black Hawk Bridge carries Wisconsin Highway 82 and Iowa Highway 9.
Sources: WisDOT, The Gazette