Black Hawk Bridge remains closed through Memorial Day holiday, results expected later this week from inspection and analysis to determine safety

Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) officials announced the decision Thursday, May 22 that the Black Hawk Bridge would remain closed through this past Memorial Day weekend due to ongoing safety concerns following the detection of movement in the third pier of the bridge heading from west to east. DOT officials closed the bridge late Saturday night, May 17 after movement was detected by a multi-faceted monitoring system within one of the bridge piers beyond what is deemed typical and safe, according to DOT standards.

A follow-up land survey process was completed Monday, May 19 that validated the monitoring system readings that indicated movement of the bridge pier. That validation then initiated a “very detailed and thorough analysis” to determine the safety of the bridge and the next steps required to be taken in order to open the bridge back up, with that process involving a variety of analytical calculations. With that analysis not being able to be completed prior to the Memorial Day weekend, DOT officials kept the bridge closed to vehicle traffic but did say that the river channel below the bridge would remain open.

Iowa DOT officials further explained that a bridge inspection team was brought on site Thursday, May 22 to climb, walk and thoroughly go over each section of the bridge to make sure the pier movement had not led to any damage to the bridge itself. That physical bridge inspection data is now being analyzed and compared with the engineering data gathered in regard to the bridge to determine the overall safety level of the bridge and a future course of action in regard to it reopening or any repairs that may be deemed necessary. A final report is anticipated to be released later this week.

In the meantime, motorists are encouraged by DOT officials to use the nearest bridge crossings at La Crescent, MN/La Crosse, WI, or at Marquette/Prairie du Chien, WI to cross the Mississippi River during the Black Hawk Bridge closure.

Although there are currently no plans being implemented to utilize a water taxi, as had been used during a previous two-month closure of the Black Hawk Bridge in the spring of 2024, DOT officials have confirmed that they do still have all the proper clearance measures and the means to put that ferry system into place should it be needed.

DOT officials also issued a warning Monday morning, May 26 that the closure of the Black Hawk Bridge means complete closure to any type of crossing of the bridge, bicycles and pedestrian traffic included. They said that reports have been received that there have been individuals who have gone around the barricades to walk or bike on the bridge, which is considered to be an illegal activity and is punishable by law.

While they understand that the current bridge closure is certainly an inconvenience and translates to hardships for neighboring communities and residents who utilize the Black Hawk Bridge to travel to work, appointments or to visit family, DOT officials say that their top priority has to be the safety of the bridge and those who travel over it. They appreciate the patience and understanding shown by those impacted by the bridge closure.

Work on the new bridge being constructed right next to the existing Black Hawk Bridge will continue to move forward, according to DOT officials. For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge and sign up to receive updates directly to an email inbox or check out the bridge project’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/. Additional updates on the Black Hawk Bridge closure can also be found at 511ia.org.