Implosion planned for Black Hawk Bridge as Mississippi River crossing is replaced

A nearly century-old bridge over the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin is set to be imploded Friday to clear space for a modern replacement. The Black Hawk Bridge, completed in 1931, connects Lansing, Iowa, to Wisconsin. The structure closed in October and the project includes a new crossing expected to be in service in 2027 at a cost of about $140 million. The bridge carried roughly 2,100 vehicles each day and was the only crossing for about 30 miles in either direction, leaving residents and businesses to rely on a ferry when the river was impassable.

Crews say the implosion will be conducted in stages, starting with the center span, followed by the eastern section later in the day. The western section will be disassembled in a future operation because portions extend over homes and a railroad. Much of the bridge has already been removed, but the implosion remains the most efficient way to remove the largest portions of the superstructure, according to an Iowa Department of Transportation spokesperson. Officials also say the implosion is planned to minimize debris and environmental disruption. A live video feed will be available online for observers.

The Black Hawk Bridge is a cantilever design characterized by a center arch and two tower-like trusses that rise above the river. It has become a recognizable landmark in a town with fewer than 1,000 residents and a long history along the water. Lansing Mayor Michael Verdon said the span carries sentimental value to tens of thousands of people who used it over the decades and helped shape the community’s river identity.

With the old bridge closed since October, travelers in the area have relied on a ferry service to cross the river as construction of the replacement progresses. The new crossing is being built to better accommodate modern traffic and river dynamics, and officials say it will improve safety and reliability along the corridor. The project reflects ongoing efforts to upgrade aging Mississippi River infrastructure, reduce congestion, and bolster local commerce as communities along the river adapt to changing transportation needs.

Officials have cited river geography and the bridge’s pier configuration as factors that made the old span susceptible to incidents, including barge impacts. The implosion is intended to minimize disruption to river traffic and nearby neighborhoods while removing the remaining superstructure. Once the center span comes down, the eastern section will follow later in the day; the western portion is slated for a later, separate sequence because of its proximity to homes and the railroad.

Residents plan to salvage materials for keepsakes and to construct a tribute to the bridge in Lansing. City leaders describe the implosion as a moment of collective memory that will mark the end of an era and the beginning of a more modern crossing. Lansing, with a population of about 968, is known for its river-town heritage, including steamboats, fur trading, and commercial fishing that helped shape its history.

The newly planned crossing is scheduled to be completed and open to traffic in 2027, providing a renewed link across the Mississippi for residents and travelers who previously depended on ferry service when the bridge was closed. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, with organizers coordinating viewing areas and additional online coverage for those watching remotely.