Implosion Takes Down a Nearly Century-Old Mississippi River Bridge

Implosion Takes Down a Nearly Century-Old Mississippi River Bridge
The implosion of the 94-year-old Black Hawk Bridge over the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin on Dec. 19, 2025. Iowa Department of Transportation via AP
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A nearly 100-year-old bridge over the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin was imploded Friday, an unusual spectacle that clears the way for a modern replacement.

The Mississippi River Bridge, also known as the Black Hawk Bridge, was completed in 1931. It connects Lansing, Iowa, to Wisconsin. The landmark stood out for its unique cantilever design—a center arch and two towerlike trusses.