LANSING, Iowa – June 5, 2026 – The Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation (DOT) are announcing a key milestone in the Iowa 9 / WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge Project. The center span of the new bridge will be installed on June 11 and 12 in a process that includes floating the pre-assembled section down the river to be connected to sections being built in place. The project will need to close the free car ferry and restrict other traffic on the Mississippi River on June 11 and 12, 2026.
The Mississippi River Bridge Project has been proceeding since late 2023 with the new bridge extending from both the western Iowa shore and the eastern Wisconsin approach. The prior bridge was demolished in December of 2025. The center span is being assembled just upstream near the Lansing Marina. By assembling the span off site, the project was able to keep the river channel open at most times and allow the car ferry service to operate. Off-site assembly also reduced costs and improved schedule efficiency.
On the morning of June 11, the center span will take its short trip downstream by barge until it aligns with the new sections. It will then be lifted into place and connected to the existing east and west assemblies. The entire process is expected to take several hours. The channel will remain closed on June 11 and 12 to fully connect and inspect the span. The project will continue in future weeks and months with additional construction on the bridge superstructure, deck and other features. The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
Media may be interested in capturing video and photos of this unique construction phase. Please see these points concerning media access and project staff availability:
- The Iowa DOT will display a livestream at iowadot.gov/lansingbridge. The livestream is video only and does not carry audio. Iowa DOT cannot guarantee the quality or continuity of the video.
- There are no exact times for the floating and lifting on June 11. The center span barge is likely to start moving in the morning. While the distance is short, the barge will move slowly. The combination of floating and lifting the span could take several hours.
- The City of Lansing (Iowa) owns and controls the Lansing Marina. Media seeking to observe the process from marina property should seek permission from the city.
- The city’s Mount Hosmer Park in Lansing is another possible vantage point. Media should follow all park rules or consult the city if needed.
- There are no viable observation points from the Wisconsin landing.
- Neither Iowa DOT nor Wisconsin DOT will host a formal media session. Media can arrange for one-on-one interviews through the contact listed below, but availability might be limited due to project needs. Project staff will not be available to facilitate video or photo coverage.
- If weather or other circumstances delay the center span installation, the alternate dates will be June 18 and 19.
For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River bridge as well as updates on the existing bridge status, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge. Individuals may also sign up to receive e-mail updates and view the Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/. Information on the ferry is available at https://iowadot.gov/lansingcarferry.
The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or X (find links at https://iowadot.gov/travel-tools/iowa-511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.
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For questions about this news release, please contact Clayton Burke at 515-290-2376 or clayton.burke@iowadot.us.
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