Implosion will take down a nearly century-old Mississippi River bridge
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This undated photo provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, shows the Mississippi River Bridge, also known as the Black Hawk Bridge, in Lansing, Iowa. Photo by Uncredited /APArticle contentA nearly 100-year-old bridge over the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin is scheduled to be imploded Friday, an unusual spectacle that will make way for a modern replacement.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe Mississippi River Bridge, also known as the Black Hawk Bridge, was completed in 1931. It connects Lansing, Iowa, to Wisconsin. The landmark stands out for its unique cantilever design _ a center arch and two tower-like trusses.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle content“It carries a lot of sentimental value to, I mean, literally tens of thousands of people,” Lansing Mayor Michael Verdon said.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentThe bridge, which closed in October, was the only one for about 30 miles (48 kilometers) in each direction and carried about 2,100 vehicles per day. Drivers can now use a ferry service while a new crossing is under construction. The new $140 million replacement is expected to be in service in 2027.Article contentThough it’s beloved, the narrow bridge made for a harrowing experience when two large trucks met, Verdon said. Barges sometimes struck the bridge because of the river geography and configuration of the bridge piers.Article contentOfficials are expecting a large crowd to witness the implosion, he said. A live video will be available online.Article contentThe center span will be imploded first, followed by the eastern section later in the day. The western section will disassembled in the future because parts of the bridge extend over homes and the railroad.Article contentSome parts of the bridge have already been removed, but an implosion is the most efficient way to remove the largest portions of the superstructure, Iowa Department of Transportation spokesperson Daniel Yeh said.Article contentResidents plan to salvage material for keepsakes and to construct a tribute to the bridge in the city, Verdon said.Article contentLansing, population 968, has deep roots as a river town with a history of steamboats, fur trading and commercial fishing, the mayor said.Article content___Article contentDura reported from Bismarck, North Dakota.Article contentTrending Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Posthaste: Here's where home prices plunged the most in tough year for Canada's housing market News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Posthaste: Here's where home prices plunged the most in tough year for Canada's housing market News