Car ferry service begins for Black Hawk Bridge crossing on Monday

LANSING, Iowa (WKBT) — A free car ferry service will begin Monday across the Mississippi River, providing the first direct crossing between Iowa and Wisconsin communities since the Black Hawk Bridge closed permanently on October 20.

The Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation announced the 12-vehicle ferry will operate 16 hours daily, seven days a week. First departures start at 5:30 a.m. from Wisconsin and 5:45 a.m. from Iowa, with final departures at 9 p.m. from Wisconsin and 9:15 p.m. from Iowa.

The ferry operates continuously on a first-come, first-served basis with 15-minute cycles including loading and unloading. Officials request priority access for commuters during peak hours from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Black Hawk Bridge closed permanently after safety concerns made continued operation too risky during construction of the $165 million replacement structure. The new bridge is expected to be completed by spring 2027.

The ferry accommodates cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and two-axle trucks under 10 tons. Trailers, ATVs, RVs, buses and farm equipment cannot use the service.

Without the ferry, drivers must use detour routes to the nearest bridge 30 miles south, a 60–70-minute trip. Two ferry cycles can be completed in the same time.

Ferry service may pause temporarily for weather, river conditions or maintenance. On holidays, the ferry operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Planned closures include two to three days in December for bridge demolition.