IA 9/WI 82 bridge over Mississippi River closed

[froggie]

http://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2011/08/iowa-9-bridge-closed-over-the-mississippi-river-at-lansing.html

http://www.startribune.com/local/127975293.html

IaDOT found a crack in a floor beam under the bridge deck during a routine inspection, and has shut down the bridge indefinitely as a result.  The IaDOT release notes they're looking into a repair procedure.

The nearest crossings are about 30 miles in each direction:  US 14/61 at LaCrosse, and US 18 at Prairie du Chien.

[tchafe1978]

That stinks. If it can't be repaired and kept open, it will probably be torn down, because the bridge doesn't get enough traffic to warrant spending the money on a replacement. It's a shame too, because it is one unique-looking bridge.

[JREwing78]

I'm pretty sure it gets more traffic now than it did when it was built. If more traffic doesn't make it warrant the spending for a replacement, that's a sign our infrastructure spending is going seriously downhill.

[rawmustard]

I'm pretty sure it gets more traffic now than it did when it was built. If more traffic doesn't make it warrant the spending for a replacement, that's a sign our infrastructure spending is going seriously downhill.

Plus I can't imagine that approximately 60 miles between crossings would be acceptable regardless of traffic counts.

[tchafe1978]

Here are some pictures plus a little history of the bridge.

http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/pagesA/umissA06.html

[iowahighways]

The bridge reopened today, even though lane restrictions are in effect:

http://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2011/08/iowa-dot-to-reopen-iowa-9-bridge-over-the-mississippi-river-at-lansing-today.html

[SEWIGuy]

The bridge is in bad shape and is in a relatively remote part of both states.  I know that 63 miles is a significant distance, but I can't imagine that it would be considered a good investment.

[rarnold]

Depends on your proximity to the situation. If you use that bridge to get across the river to work, or dialysis, or whatever, it is a very good investment.

[SEWIGuy]

Depends on your proximity to the situation. If you use that bridge to get across the river to work, or dialysis, or whatever, it is a very good investment.

That's really a dumb statement.  The investments are made by the collective tax payers of Iowa, Wisconsin, with supposedly some from the American tax-payer at large.  The negative affects of those who use the bridge on a daily basis must be balanced with the other transportion needs that affect a greater number of people and are therefore more urgent.

Read from John Week's page linked above: "While this bridge has served well for 70 years, the DOT from Iowa and Wisconsin have concluded that this bridge is obsolete. Even worse, traffic levels and the remoteness of the bridge do not warrant the cost of new bridge. DOT officials have considered closing this bridge, leaving a 63 mile gap between crossings in La Crosse and Prairie du Chien."

[Rick Powell]

Maybe a toll ferry crossing?  It would cost maybe $1.5 million a year to capitalize and run, make half of that back in user fees, and provide more mobility than a complete closure.  Who knows, maybe the state, locals or a private operator could make it completely self supporting. 

[AZDude]

This bridge too huh?  I crossed this one too last year.  Hopefully they fix this one.

[rarnold]

How dumb do you think that I am? Of course you have to weigh the cost against many factors. I just think that you cannot make money the only factor.