Mississippi River bridge reopens after hit by tow

LANSING, Iowa (AP) — A bridge over the Mississippi River that links Iowa with Wisconsin has reopened after it was struck by a 15-barge tow.

The tow struck the Blackhawk Bridge on Thursday afternoon at about 4 p.m. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the bridge reopened just after midnight on Friday. The Highway 82 bridge connects Lansing, Iowa, with De Soto, Wis. The bridge is the only crossing over the Mississippi River for 56 miles.

Lansing police said the front of the barge was up against a steel cell that is filled with sand and topped with concrete. The cell is meant to protect bridge supports.

Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com