Iowa, Wisconsin Senators Urge Swift Reopening of Black Hawk Bridge
Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst have joined forces with Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson to support a speedy reopening of Lansing’s Black Hawk Bridge, closed since February 25th amid concerns of its structural integrity..
The senators are urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to continue working with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) through the Emergency Relief (ER) program.
In a joint statement, the senators wrote,“The bridge’s closure impacts thousands of Wisconsinites and Iowans, with an estimated 2,200 vehicles previously crossing the bridge daily, and there are limited other options for crossing the river. We strongly support the efforts to get the existing bridge reopened and request that FHWA continue to work with the Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs to restore traffic on this bridge as soon as possible.”
While the bridge undergoes repairs, IDOT is offering commuters a free water taxi service beginning Monday, March 18. The water taxi service will run between Lansing, Iowa and Crawford County, Wisconsin seven days a week, until the bridge is repaired.
The water taxi will travel between the Lansing Marina and Big Slough Landing and will be available seven days a week on the following schedule.
- 7 to 10 a.m.
- 11 to 1 p.m.
- 3 to 6 p.m.
A one-way trip is estimated to take about 30 minutes. All riders will be required to get off the water taxi at each stop.
On the Iowa side, parking and a shuttle is available at the Lansing City Hall and Middle/Kee High School in Lansing.
Lansing City Hall
201 John Street
Lansing, IA 52151
Middle/Kee High School
269 Center Street
Lansing, IA 52151
Travelers on the Wisconsin side will need to park at the DeSoto Community Center and take a shuttle to the water taxi. Parking is not allowed at Big Slough Landing.
De Soto Community Center
57 Crawford Street
De Soto, WI 54624
