Bridge Toll Changes begin on January 19, 2026

Toll collection on the Fort Madison Bridge will now be cashless, utilizing credit or debit cards and a swipe or tap function. A $2.50 toll will now be collected IN EACH DIRECTION for ALL types of vehicles, instead of the full toll collected in one direction only.

** Starting January 19, 2026 cash will no longer be accepted **

The Fort Madison Bridge, located in Niota, IL over the Mississippi River connecting Fort Madison, IA and unincorporated Niota, IL. Our community benefits from use of the auto portion of the privately funded bridge. Tolls collected over the bridge are used exclusively for the maintenance and operation of the auto portion. Those maintenance and operating costs far exceed the tolls currently being collected. Automation of the toll collection helps BNSF reduce those overall costs.

The bridge remains closed to all semi trucks as the approach geometry causes safety concerns.

Bridge Closure Updates

The Santa Fe Railroad will be performing essential maintenance on our 99-year-old bridge in 2026. The project includes removing floor beams and replacing deck plates, leaving no roadbed for vehicles to travel on during the work. Thank you for your patience as this important project moves forward to preserve the bridge for many years ahead.

Weekend Closures Sat. 12pm-Mon. 12pm

January 24 - March 9, 2026

Extended Closures

May 4 to June 26 and again from Sep. 21 - Nov. 20, 2026

While the Fort Madison Bridge is closed for repairs, Fort Madison is still easy to reach using nearby Mississippi River crossings.

From the North: Cross at Burlington, Iowa

  1. From Illinois, cross the Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa using the Great River Bridge (US Highway 34).

  2. Once across the bridge, follow signs for US-61 South toward Fort Madison and Keokuk.

  3. Continue south on US-61 for approximately 25 miles.

  4. Take the appropriate Fort Madison exit and follow city signs to downtown, hotels, attractions, and the riverfront.

From the South: Cross at Keokuk, Iowa

  1. From Illinois, cross the Mississippi River at Keokuk, Iowa using the Keokuk–Hamilton Bridge (US-136).

  2. After crossing into Iowa, follow signs for US-61 North toward Fort Madison.

  3. Travel north on US-61 for approximately 20 miles.

  4. Take the appropriate Fort Madison exit and follow city signage to your destination.

Helpful Travel Tip

Most GPS and map apps will automatically reroute you around the bridge closure. Simply enter your destination in Fort Madison, Iowa, and follow the suggested route through Burlington or Keokuk.

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