Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the current bridge safe for traffic?
- A: Yes, if the bridge wasn’t safe, it would be immediately closed until the necessary repairs could be made.
Q: How many vehicles use the bridge each day?
- A: Current traffic count is approximately 2,200 vehicles per day.
Q: When will the new bridge open?
- A: It is anticipated to fully open to traffic by the end of 2026.
Q: How long will the crossing be closed during construction?
- A: At this point we are planning to have the current bridge open for the duration of construction of the new bridge. There will be approximately a month in 2026 when the crossing will be closed so we can connect the road to the new bridge.
Q: Can recreational boaters use the river during construction?
- A: Yes, but there will likely be temporary river closures during portions of construction.
Q: Is there going to be special lighting on the new bridge?
- A: The city of Lansing, in conjunction with Main Street Lansing, is currently raising funds to provide for special lighting that the city would control. The goal is to raise $300,000. For more information or to contribute, please go to Blackhawkbridgelights.org.
Q: Why can’t the current bridge be repaired/refurbished instead of replacing it?
- A: An in-depth study was done to determine if rehabilitating the bridge would make the most sense. The study determined that replacing the bridge is the best option.
Q: Is the bridge at Lansing historic?
- A: Yes, the Iowa DOT determined the current bridge at Lansing eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer agreed and confirmed that determination in 2016. This historic designation helped drive the design of the new bridge to closely resemble the old bridge.
Q: What will be done to document the historic nature of the old bridge?
- A: Both states along with the Federal Highway Administration have agreed to complete a number of efforts to keep the historic look of the bridge. Those efforts include the replacement of the bridge with a similarly designed bridge, completing additional historic research, developing and producing a mini-documentary film about the bridge.
Q: Will any Lansing city streets be affected during construction?
- A: Yes, Front, Henry, and Hale streets will be closed during certain parts of the construction process, but not the entire time. The street closures may be up to several months at a time. Sidewalks in the area will also be closed at times during construction.
Q: Will any houses need to be removed to build the new bridge?
- A: Yes, the DOT bought and removed two houses just north of the current bridge to build the new bridge.
Q: How and when will the old bridge be taken down?
- A: The demolition process will likely start shortly after the new bridge is opened in late 2026. We’re considering using controlled explosives for the removal of most of the bridge, but the section of the bridge on the Iowa side will be carefully removed piece by piece.
Q: What is going to happen to the material from the old bridge?
- A: The pieces of the old bridge will be owned by the contractor and some pieces will be donated to local groups.
Q: What were the results of the letting?
- A: Letting results can be found at Bidx.com. Please note that the low bid rarely represents the final cost of the construction project.