Iowa DOT Moves Lansing Bridge Implosion to Friday

When your school board votes, Decorah News is there to report. Chip in to keep your voice in the room. LANSING, Iowa — The planned implosion of the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing has been rescheduled to Friday, Dec. 19, according to the Iowa and Wisconsin departments of transportation. The implosion of the main span of the existing bridge is required for construction of the new Mississippi River crossing, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The demolition is expected to take place around 9:30 a.m., though the time could change due to weather or other conditions. Warning horns will sound five minutes and one minute before the implosion. A smaller, secondary implosion on the east end of the bridge is planned later in the day. The Iowa DOT will provide a video-only livestream of the event at iowadot.gov/lansingbridge and is encouraging the public to watch online rather than travel to the site. Transportation officials said strict safety protocols will be enforced due to expected interest in the event. Unauthorized drones are prohibited and could delay or cancel the implosion. Restricted zones will be enforced around the bridge and on the Mississippi River, and officials strongly discourage onlookers from gathering near the site or standing on river ice. The free Lansing car ferry will end operations at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, and is expected to resume service Monday, Dec. 22. WIS 82 and other nearby roadways may be temporarily closed during the demolition. The implosion may be loud, and people with hearing sensitivity are advised to take precautions. If weather or other conditions prevent demolition on Dec. 19, Dec. 20 has been identified as a backup date. Updates on the bridge project are available at iowadot.gov/lansingbridge and through Iowa's 511 traveler information system. Your weekly dose of local life! Subscribe to the free newsletter and enjoy news, analysis, and stories you'll actually look forward to reading.