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Close-up view of setting up blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa. Close-up view of setting up blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa.

Demolition, Blasting

Project Overview

On December 19, 2025 Veit’s blasting team successfully imploded the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa, clearing the way for a modern replacement.

Veit’s scope of work included preparing and installing explosive charges on the steel bridge structure, drilling and loading blast holes for the demolition of three concrete piers, executing controlled detonations for both bridge and pier removal, and coordinating demolition activities with the general contractor to ensure safe and efficient project execution.

Originally built in 1931, this historic structure connected Wisconsin and Iowa for generations.

Market
Commercial
Owner
Iowa DOT
Type of Project
Demolition
Duration
2025

Challenges We Solved

01.
Limited Access Over an Active River
Safely accessed and prepared the bridge for demolition while working from barges on an active waterway, minimizing disruption and ensuring crew safety.
02.
Working at Significant Heights
Developed and executed specialized access methods using crane-supported man-baskets to safely install explosive charges on elevated bridge structures.
03.
Challenging Winter Conditions
Maintained project progress despite harsh winter weather through careful planning, coordination, and execution.
04.
Complex Demolition Logistics
Coordinated bridge and pier demolition activities with the general contractor to ensure all pre-cutting, blasting, and removal operations were performed safely and efficiently.
05.
Precision Explosive Demolition
Successfully executed controlled detonations on both the 711-foot steel truss bridge and three concrete piers, achieving the required results while maintaining safety and control.
01.
Limited Access Over an Active River
Safely accessed and prepared the bridge for demolition while working from barges on an active waterway, minimizing disruption and ensuring crew safety.
02.
Working at Significant Heights
Developed and executed specialized access methods using crane-supported man-baskets to safely install explosive charges on elevated bridge structures.
03.
Challenging Winter Conditions
Maintained project progress despite harsh winter weather through careful planning, coordination, and execution.
04.
Complex Demolition Logistics
Coordinated bridge and pier demolition activities with the general contractor to ensure all pre-cutting, blasting, and removal operations were performed safely and efficiently.
05.
Precision Explosive Demolition
Successfully executed controlled detonations on both the 711-foot steel truss bridge and three concrete piers, achieving the required results while maintaining safety and control.
Veit blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa.
Blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa being set up by Veit crew and equipment.
Blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa being set-up by Veit crew at dusk.
Veit blasting and demolition of the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa prior to blasting.