Even as winter weather makes its presence felt, construction on the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing continues without slowing down. Work is ongoing on both sides of the river, as well as in the river itself. The focus is currently on the Wisconsin side, with progress moving westward toward Iowa.

During the previous update, the contractor, Kraemer North America, had just started work on the upper portion of pier 3, the pier closest to the Wisconsin shoreline. The portion of the pier above the footing involved three concrete pours, all of which have now been completed, including the cap. The photo shows the concrete curing on the cap, with the process taking place in colder temperatures. Various measures are taken to ensure the concrete cures properly, including heating the forms during the pour and wrapping the pier in blankets to retain heat. Temperature monitoring ensures the concrete reaches its maximum strength. The forms are expected to be removed late this month or early next year.

Moving to pier 2, the only pier located in the river, all three drilled shafts required for the footing and pier have been poured. The contractor is now in the process of removing the template used to install the shafts, which are 11.5 feet wide and approximately 140 feet deep. Once removed, a coffer cell will be constructed around the shafts to provide a dry space for the next phase of work—the construction of the footing for pier 2. This footing will be built to withstand the impact of a barge strike, leading to the removal of the dolphins (concrete structures) protecting the old piers from potential collisions.

On the Iowa side, work on pier 1 is progressing as a cofferdam is being cleaned out to provide a dry work environment for the installation of the drilled shafts. These shafts will be 11.5 feet wide and 44 feet deep, similar to those used for piers 2 and 3, and the abutment in Iowa. These casings will be vibrated into the ground, cleaned, and filled with concrete.

At the Iowa end of the bridge, the west abutment is taking shape. Three drilled shafts, six feet wide and approximately 44 feet deep, have already been installed. These will support the footing for the abutment. Before the footing can be built, a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall is being constructed, providing a stable surface for the abutment. The wall, along with the sand behind it, is starting to take form, and progress on this part of the project is evident.

As the project moves forward over the next few months, the footprint of the new bridge will become clearer, with additional piers and bridge beams being set in place. Regular updates will be shared as the construction continues.

For more details, check out the project Facebook page at Lansing Bridge Facebook or watch the live webcam on the Iowa DOT website.