WASHINGTON – Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst joined forces with Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson to support a speedy reopening of Lansing’s Black Hawk Bridge. The senators are urging the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to continue working with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) through the Emergency Relief (ER) program.

“The bridge’s closure impacts thousands of Wisconsinites and Iowans, with an estimated 2,200 vehicles previously crossing the bridge daily, and there are limited other options for crossing the river,” the senators wrote. “We strongly support the efforts to get the existing bridge reopened and request that FHWA continue to work with the Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation to restore traffic on this bridge as soon as possible.” 

While the bridge undergoes repairs, IDOT is offering commuters a free water taxi service beginning Monday, March 18. The water taxi service will run between Lansing, Iowa and Crawford County, Wisconsin seven days a week, until the bridge is repaired. More information on the free service is available HERE.

Background 

The FHWA’s ER program provides reimbursable funding for the repair or reconstruction of certain Federal-aid highways that have suffered serious damage from natural disasters or externally caused catastrophic failures. 

Timeline 

  • February 25, 2024: The Black Hawk Bridge connecting Iowa Highway 9 to Wisconsin Highway 35 experiences a sudden structural failure, leading to the bridge’s closure. 
  • February 29, 2024: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issues a disaster proclamation. 
  • March 4, 2024: IDOT submits a letter of intent, requesting ER funds. 
  • March 5, 2024: FHWA responds to IDOT, acknowledging receipt of the letter and reiterating the parameters of the ER program. 
  • March 11, 2024: Design of temporary repair is approved and the contractor proceeds.
  • March 14, 2024: Contractor removes four spans of existing bridge and sets them on the ground.
  • March 15, 2024: Contractor starts work to drive pile for the temporary piers at Pier 6 and 7.
  • March 18, 2024: Water taxi services begin.
  • Late April, 2024: Projected reopening of the existing bridge.

Read the full letter HERE.

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