Lansing Bridge implosion to be livestreamed Friday

WISCONSIN / IOWA (CIVIC MEDIA) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), together with the Iowa Department of Transportation, are providing details of the planned implosion this Friday (Dec. 19) for the WIS 82 / IA 9 Mississippi River Bridge project. The implosion and removal of the main section of the existing bridge is needed to allow construction of the new crossing to proceed safely with a planned opening in 2027.

Due to community interest and the potential for onlookers, the project team is collaborating with law enforcement and local officials to ensure safety for contractors, residents and the community. There will be strict protocols to ensure safety of the public. Failure of the public to comply with the restrictions could impact, delay, or prevent the implosion and individuals could be held liable for delays. Unauthorized drones / unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited in the restricted zone, and the presence of any unauthorized drone will delay or cancel the demolition.

The implosion is scheduled for approximately 9:30 Friday morning, weather permitting. There will be audible warning horns sounded five minutes and one minute before the implosion. The planned implosion will be followed later in the day by a smaller implosion on the east end of the bridge. There will be audible warning horns identical to the first implosion. This second event will not require any closures on the Iowa side, but the Wisconsin ferry landing and WIS 82 will remain closed. In Iowa, the project team will mark out and enforce an 850-foot restricted zone from the bridge with road closures and barricades. There will be no parking or pedestrians allowed in the restricted zone.  A 1,000-foot restricted zone will be enforced on the river. State and local officials strongly advise that onlookers do NOT stand on the ice. Ice on the Mississippi River can be extremely unstable due to currents and warmer water temperatures.

The free car ferry service will end operations at 6:00 Thursday night (Dec. 18) to facilitate preparations on and around the bridge. The car ferry will resume operations Monday morning (Dec. 22). In Wisconsin, the entire ferry landing area will be closed to the public once car ferry service ends on Thursday, as the landing is within the 850-foot restricted zone. There will be no public viewing areas on the Wisconsin side. The Big Slough and Winneshiek boat landings will be closed Thursday and are anticipated to re-open Friday evening. WIS 82 will be closed at 6:00 Thursday night once the ferry service shuts down and is anticipated to re-open Friday evening. The ferry landing area will remain closed until the car ferry reopens on Monday.

The project contractor and subcontractors are contacting all residents and property owners in the restricted area and providing voluntary home inspections and window protections. Residents will also be given instructions and timelines for shelter-in-place or evacuation options.

The demolition contractor will sound an “all clear” long siren blast after 100% detonation is confirmed.  However, this siren only signals release of the work zone to the primary project contractor, who will then perform final safety checks. The restricted zones will remain in place for at least 30 minutes following the implosion.

The implosion may be loud. Anyone with hearing sensitivity is advised to remain inside and use ear protection if needed.

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 email updates and view the Facebook page. Full information on the ferry is available at iowadot.gov/lansingcarferry. The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. 

The Iowa DOT will display a livestream of the event at iowadot.gov/lansingbridge. People are encouraged to watch the livestream as a safe and comfortable option.

---