A free ferry service is now available to carry commuters across the Mississippi River between Lansing, Iowa, and Wisconsin, as one of the only bridges in the area remains closed for demolition.
Both states’ transportation departments determined the Black Hawk Bridge had to be demolished after a series of closures in the last year due to safety concerns. Crews have already begun constructing a new bridge alongside the original, but the closure has left commuters in Iowa and Wisconsin without a passage across the Mississippi River from as far north as La Crosse to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, a roughly 60-mile stretch.
The Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs have installed docks on either side of the river to serve most commuters while the lifeline bridge is out of commission.
What’s the status of the Mississippi River bridge in Lansing, Iowa?
On the Iowa side, construction of the new bridge to replace the Black Hawk Bridge is already underway. Crews are setting steel that will soon stretch across the river. The Black Hawk Bridge must be demolished since the new bridge is being constructed alongside it.
“The best way to describe the construction happening on the Iowa side of the river… giant erector set!” according to the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing Facebook page.
What are the ferry hours while the Black Hawk Bridge is closed?
The free ferry services are available seven days a week. Trips start as early as 5:45 a.m. from Iowa and 5:30 a.m. from Wisconsin. The final trip is 9:15 p.m. from Iowa and 9 p.m. from Wisconsin. The trips are continuous, so there is no fixed schedule, and the ferry is first-come, first-served, according to the Iowa DOT.
Who can ride the ferry across the Mississippi River in Lansing, Iowa?
Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are allowed on the ferry, along with two-axle trucks under 10 tons. Approximately 12 vehicles can fit on the ferry per trip, with possible extra space for bikes and pedestrians. The size of vehicles could reduce capacity.
The DOTs ask to prioritize commuters, or those traveling from work, during peak hours from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“We encourage non-commuters to consider traveling outside these windows when possible,” according to a news release from the Iowa DOT.
The following restrictions for ferry access include:
What are the Lansing, Iowa, ferry hours during holidays?
During holidays, the ferry will operate on a revised schedule from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holidays with revised hours include:
How long does the ferry take to cross the Mississippi River?
The average crossing time is approximately 15 minutes, including loading and unloading, according to the Iowa DOT. Trips may take longer if there are delays due to railroad traffic, heavy traffic, commercial barges, or operational needs.
The Iowa DOT has live ferry camera footage on its website, allowing passengers to view the level of activity at both landings and ferry queues.
Where are the ferry landings?
Those heading to Wisconsin from Iowa can access the ferry from the Lansing Marina by entering from the north driveway off Front Street. Vehicles should line up in two lanes going southbound without blocking marina users, then exit via the south driveway. The Iowa DOT reminds ferry users to watch for the active rail crossing and obey the railroad flagger’s directions.
The Wisconsin landing is west of Big Slough Board Landing, near the bridge construction. Lighting and portable restrooms are available. Passengers should not block the Big Slough Boat Landing entrance, with parking only available for refuge visitors, according to the Iowa DOT.
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ferry opens for commuters while Lansing, Iowa, bridge is closed. What are the hours?
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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