The Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation announced on April 15 that the controlled explosive demolition of one of the remaining piers for the Mississippi River Bridge Project at Lansing has been postponed to Friday, April 17. The delay was caused by severe weather.
The demolition will use underwater explosives to remove a concrete pier on the east side of the project near the Wisconsin landing. To ensure safety during this operation, several closures are planned. The free car ferry service will be suspended for about five hours on the afternoon of April 17, likely starting at noon. This closure is both for the demolition and coincidental ferry maintenance. Exact closing times and reopening details will be provided through the project Facebook page and Iowa 511 website.
Both car ferry landings on the Iowa and Wisconsin sides will be completely closed during this period. No other highway or street closures are planned in either state. Additionally, the main navigational channel of the Mississippi River will be closed to recreational and commercial vessels within a safe radius around the bridge for approximately three hours in the afternoon. Enforcement personnel will ensure boaters remain outside of this clear zone during the blast. The Big Slough Boat landing will remain open.
Area residents may hear or feel effects from the blast, but since it is underwater, sound is expected to be muffled and not noticeable except very close to the river. There should be no impact to area homes or businesses from this activity.
The departments said that further delays could push demolition to Saturday, April 18, depending on weather or other considerations. Updates about any changes will be issued as needed by Iowa DOT and WisDOT.
For more information about construction updates or ferry service status, individuals can visit iowadot.gov/lansingbridge or view the organization’s press release.
