Lansing Bridge Between Iowa and Wisconsin Sets Opening Date

After months of detours and ferry rides, the Lansing bridge across the Mississippi River is finally complete!

Bridge Completed Ahead of Schedule

The Des Moines Register reports that the replacement bridge in Lansing is finally complete. The project is done well ahead of the original timeline, which didn't have the bridge opening until spring 2027. Favorable weather and good river conditions allowed crews to finish the job ahead of schedule, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

When Will The New Bridge Be Open to Traffic?

According to the Register, the Lansing bridge will open to commuters on Friday, November 6th. The bridge is the only connection between Iowa and Wisconsin for 60 miles. The nearest bridges connect La Crosse, Wisconsin, and La Crescent, Minnesota, 35 miles to the north, or Marquette, Iowa, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin about 30 miles to the south.

Still More Work to Be Done on the Bridge

Even after the bridge opens to traffic, more work still needs to be done. The Register reports that construction won't be complete until ferry landing areas are restored and the previous bridges' piers and foundations are removed. The entire project could take until late spring 2027 to complete.

Why Was the Old Bridge Torn Down?

The bridge closed down two times since construction on the replacement began in 2023. Once in 2024 due to observed displacement, and again in 2025 when movement was detected in the bridge, according to the Register. It was then determined that the original bridge needed to be demolished for construction of the replacement to continue.

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