Lansing bridge over Mississippi River reopens to vehicle traffic

The Mississippi River bridge linking Lansing and western Wisconsin reopened Monday following a roughly three-week closure prompted by sensors detecting movement.

The Iowa 9/Wisconsin 82 bridge was closed May 17 after sensors detected movement. A detailed inspection and engineering analysis was conducted and Iowa DOT officials determined that the bridge is safe for motor vehicle traffic with the same size and weight restrictions that were in place prior to May 17. Iowa DOT will continually monitor the bridge to ensure safety.

A new bridge is being constructed alongside the existing bridge. The Iowa DOT anticipates another multi-week closure of the existing bridge this summer to allow for construction activities on the new bridge. The department is planning to keep the bridge open at least through the July 4 weekend and will announce any future planned closures at least one week in advance. Planned closures will be announced through the project web page iowadot.gov/lansingbridge, the project Facebook page, local media, on variable message signs on either end of the bridge, and through 511 Iowa.

Even while the bridge is open, Iowa DOT will continue to offer a shuttle and water taxi service which offers a scenic and relaxing way to cross the river. The service is offered Monday through Saturday, with scheduled departures starting as early as 6:45 a.m. and ending at 5:37 p.m. The service includes designated vehicle parking areas at the Lansing City Hall in Iowa and the DeSoto Community Center in Wisconsin. A shuttle will drive passengers to the river landings where the water taxi will cross the river, the DOT said in a press release.