Repair work to correct/prevent bridge shift begins ...

Repair work is underway on the existing Black Hawk Bridge at Lansing, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) District 2 Office. The bridge was closed February 25 after it was discovered that two of the east-end bridge piers shifted, along with a portion of the bridge deck, making the bridge unsafe for traffic.

During the repair process, portions of the bridge deck will be removed while the repair work is being done, leaving large gaps in the bridge surface that will render the bridge impassable for any type of traffic until repair work is completed. DOT officials warn that the bridge is not safe even for pedestrian use and will be closed to all traffic during repairs. An announcement made by City of Lansing officials last week warns that anyone caught walking or riding any type of vehicle over the bridge while it is closed will be issued a citation for trespassing by law enforcement.

DOT officials say the bridge will not reopen until it is safe for public use. The repairs are expected to be complete by late April, with the Iowa DOT photo above showing initial work being done for the construction and placement of steel piers that will replace the two concrete piers on the east end of the bridge that had shifted and forced closure of the bridge. DOT officials further explained that the repairs that are currently taking place are designed to correct the current shift in the bridge deck and prevent it from happening again as construction on the new bridge continues. Testing is also being conducted along the other existing piers of the bridge to make sure such a problem doesn’t arise in other spots as well.

Construction continues on the new bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. Completion of the new bridge is anticipated in 2026. For more information go to the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing's website or Facebook page.