New WIS 82 / IA 9 Mississippi River Bridge anticipated to open in early November​

​Entire project scheduled for completion in late spring 2027​

​​​​Release date: October 5, 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), together with the Iowa Department of Transportation, are announcing the IA 9 / WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge crossing is scheduled to open to traffic on Friday, November 6, 2026. A specific opening time on that date is anticipated to​ be announced in late October. Iowa DOT previously announced an early November opening which is significantly ahead of the original timeline for spring 2027.

Since November 2025, WisDOT and Iowa DOT have provided a free car ferry service through two different operators. The car ferry averaged about 555 vehicles a day in summer 2026. The car ferry will operate through Friday, Nov. 6 until the bridge opens and then will be discontinued.

Construction work is still anticipated through the winter, outside of the main traffic lanes, including restoration of the ferry landing areas and removal of the prior bridge piers and foundations. In spring 2027, additional work on the bridge deck will require traffic disruptions but should not require any full closures. The entire project is currently scheduled to be completed in late spring 2027.

The Mississippi River Bridge project has been proceeding since late 2023 with the new bridge extending from both the western Iowa shore and the eastern Wisconsin approach. The prior bridge was demolished in December 2025. WisDOT and Iowa DOT acknowledge the various construction contractors and consultant partners for their dedication and hard work to expedite the bridge opening, which has also been aided by favorable weather and river conditions.

Stay informed on the Mississippi River Bridge project and sign up for email updates at iowadot.gov/LansingBridge. View the construction progress on the project Facebook page at facebook.com/LansingBridge/. Information on the car ferry, which is open through November 6, is available at iowadot.gov/LansingCarFerry.

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