The bridge connecting Iowa 9 and WIS 82 Mississippi River Crossing at Lansing is expected to open in November, instead of Spring 2027, officials said.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), the bridge is well ahead of its original timeline. Started in late 2023, the bridge project destroyed the previous bridge and rebuilt it. The bridge was closed and destroyed in 2025. Concentrated work by contractors and subcontractors, as well as favorable weather and river conditions, are credited with the early opening.
“This is incredible news for Lansing, its neighboring communities in Wisconsin, and everyone who lives and works in the region,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “I commend Iowa DOT and their colleagues at WisDOT along with all the consultants and contractors – most notably Kraemer North America – for their outstanding teamwork on this critical project. What a wonderful gift, and just in time for the holiday season and winter travel.”
Since the bridge’s closure, Iowa DOT and WisDOT have provided free ferry service for cars across the river. In all, the ferry service has carried almost 131,000 vehicles over the river through August 2026, officials said. Motorists choosing not to use the ferry have used a marked detour on the U.S. 18 bridge connecting Marquette, Iowa and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
While the exact bridge opening date was not announced, even after it is open to traffic there will be additional work to be completed outside of the main traffic lanes. When the bridge opens, ferry service will be discontinued, and the project will restore the ferry landing areas.