City hears of additional bridge closures next year

FORT MADISON – As motorists prepare to be able to cross the bridge at Fort Madison in a couple weeks, Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld said last week, the bridge could be closed for up to another three months in 2025.
Morhfeld said at last week’s Fort Madison City Council meeting he had been notified of the upcoming closure, but didn’t have specifics other than the additional time of closure.
A spokesperson for BNSF also didn’t have details on the dates or the times of closure. The bridge is scheduled to reopen Nov. 22.
“There will be some additional work next year on the bridge, but we have yet to finalize those dates. We’ll be working with the city to provide advanced notice to the public ahead of any work closures,” the spokesperson said.
“We don’t know the time frame or dates yet.”
The bridge was closed periodically throughout the summer and fall with closures to auto traffic in August from the 5th through the 30th and then reopened for the Tri State Rodeo, only to close again on Sept. 9 through Nov. 22, 2024.
After discussions with Mexican Fiesta officials, rail officials agreed to keep the bridge open for auto traffic during the Fiesta as well.
Repairs and maintenance are being done to vehicle deck of the bridge.
Motorists who regulary use the bridge for commutes and resources now have to go through Keokuk or Burlington to cross the Mississippi River.
City Manager Laura Liegois has said the city suffers economically with the closure.
“Well, obviously there will be some economic impact with sales tax dollars that won’t be coming in,” she said earlier this year.
“The people who live across the river that used to come into Fort Madison to shop could stop in Keokuk or Burlington if they have to go that far to cross the river.”