The Black Hawk Bridge that connects Wisconsin to Iowa officially closed Monday morning, forcing commuters to find alternative routes for the next two years while crews demolish the old structure and build a new $165 million bridge. The bridge closure took effect at 7 a.m., leaving drivers with one option: a longer, more time-consuming route around the crossing. Officials say detours will be well-marked for drivers trying to cross between the two states. The Department of Transportation plans to have a ferry service operational for cars, bikes and pedestrians in early November. The Lansing, Iowa ferry dock is ready for service, and officials are now waiting on preparations to be completed on the Wisconsin side. The ferry will accommodate 12 cars along with bikes and pedestrians, but will not fit trucks, buses, trailers or other large vehicles. Those larger vehicles will need to use the detour routes throughout the two-year construction period. Before the ferry can begin operations, sand needs to be dredged in front of the Iowa marina to ensure the water is deep enough for the vessel to operate safely. Updates on ferry service and construction progress can be found on the Lansing Bridge Facebook page or at 511.ia.org.
