Black Hawk Bridge Demolition Delayed One Day to Dec. 19
Key Takeaways
- The Black Hawk Bridge demolition has been delayed one day and is now scheduled for Dec. 19.
- Extensive road, river and pedestrian restrictions will be enforced to ensure public safety during the implosion.
- The demolition clears the way for construction of a new Mississippi River bridge slated for completion in 2027.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) have postponed the demolition of the Black Hawk Bridge demolition by one day to Dec. 19, according to press releases from both agencies.
The planned implosion of the existing bridge’s main span is required for the Wisconsin Highway 82/Iowa Highway 9 Mississippi River Bridge project to move forward, the departments said. The new bridge reconnecting Crawford County, Wis., to Lansing, Iowa remains scheduled for completion in 2027.
Safety Measures and Restricted Zones in Place
Due to strong community interest and the potential for spectators, WisDOT and Iowa DOT have released detailed safety guidelines for the demolition. The Iowa DOT will livestream the implosion on its website, and no public viewing areas will be staged on the Wisconsin side of the river, according to the agencies.
The departments reported they are coordinating with the Lansing Police Department, Allamakee County Sheriff, Iowa State Patrol and local officials to ensure safety for crews, nearby property owners and the public.
The first implosion is scheduled for 9:30 am, followed later in the day by a smaller implosion on the bridge’s east end. A warning horn will be sounded five minutes before the initial blast, the agencies reported.
Road, River and Ferry Closures Planned
On the Iowa side, an 850-foot restricted zone will be established, affecting segments of Iowa Highway 9, Iowa Highway 26, Front Street and multiple nearby streets and alleys. Parking and pedestrian access will be prohibited from the zone, according to the agencies.
Street closure and parking restrictions in Lansing will begin around 6 a.m. on Dec. 19, while Iowa Highways 9 and 26 are expected to close around 8:45 am and reopen approximately 30 minutes after the implosion, pending inspection of the blast zone.
An all-clear siren will sound once full removal of the bridge is confirmed, though it does not signal immediate reopening of the restricted areas, the departments said.
On the river, a 1,000-foot restricted zone will be enforced, and officials emphasized against viewing the demolition from river ice.
Car ferry service will be suspended from 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 through Dec. 22, unless additional time is needed to clear debris. Several nearby boat landings will also be temporarily closed, the agencies reported.
If weather conditions require, the demolition mab be postponed again to Dec. 20.