LeClaire, Iowa -
As one of LeClaire's newest businesses, the Bier Stube's opening in March coincided with bridge repairs over the nearby Mississippi River.
With bacon sizzling on the grill as staffers get ready for lunch hour, there's hope those traffic troubles are on the way out. It will pave the way to the Bier Stube's first Tug Fest weekend.
"I think it's hindered us quite a bit," said Manager Erica Hardesty. "We even get a lot of travelers stopping through needing directions."
But travel over the Mississippi River bridge should be smoother by the big event, August 13-15. Most of the "closed" signs will be coming down. After time out for repairs, most ramps should be back in action. Traffic will move one lane in each direction.
"We've got a lot of people from both sides that like to go to both sides," said Dave Bass, a longtime Tug Fest organizer. "I think the commute back and forth will be helpful once they get the bridge open."
Westbound I-80 ramps at Rapids City will remain closed for additional construction. And work will force the bridge to close Friday at 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. But most ramps will re-open by Friday, August 14.
Less tangling over the bridge will clear the way for more Tug Fest fun on both sides of the river. That's good news for communters contending with commuting woes.
A fixture since 1987, the Tug Fest and activities attract thousands of visitors each year. The annual battle between Port Byron and LeClaire should feature easier access for tuggers and fans.
"We were close enough that we could see them really pulling and working hard to get the rope out here," said Becky Waymire, on the 2008 Tug Fest.
It's a big deal for both towns. Some winning trophies are on display in a storefront window.
"It's really, really neat to watch," said Kendra Ward, LeClaire. "It's a major family event. I love it. It's awesome."
Awesome, too, for the Bier Stube. It's all set for the Tug Fest.
"The fact that there will be access to all those people to get here easily will be a lot better for business," Hardesty said.
And bridge a gap just in time for the Tug Fest.
With bacon sizzling on the grill as staffers get ready for lunch hour, there's hope those traffic troubles are on the way out. It will pave the way to the Bier Stube's first Tug Fest weekend.
"I think it's hindered us quite a bit," said Manager Erica Hardesty. "We even get a lot of travelers stopping through needing directions."
But travel over the Mississippi River bridge should be smoother by the big event, August 13-15. Most of the "closed" signs will be coming down. After time out for repairs, most ramps should be back in action. Traffic will move one lane in each direction.
"We've got a lot of people from both sides that like to go to both sides," said Dave Bass, a longtime Tug Fest organizer. "I think the commute back and forth will be helpful once they get the bridge open."
Westbound I-80 ramps at Rapids City will remain closed for additional construction. And work will force the bridge to close Friday at 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. But most ramps will re-open by Friday, August 14.
Less tangling over the bridge will clear the way for more Tug Fest fun on both sides of the river. That's good news for communters contending with commuting woes.
A fixture since 1987, the Tug Fest and activities attract thousands of visitors each year. The annual battle between Port Byron and LeClaire should feature easier access for tuggers and fans.
"We were close enough that we could see them really pulling and working hard to get the rope out here," said Becky Waymire, on the 2008 Tug Fest.
It's a big deal for both towns. Some winning trophies are on display in a storefront window.
"It's really, really neat to watch," said Kendra Ward, LeClaire. "It's a major family event. I love it. It's awesome."
Awesome, too, for the Bier Stube. It's all set for the Tug Fest.
"The fact that there will be access to all those people to get here easily will be a lot better for business," Hardesty said.
And bridge a gap just in time for the Tug Fest.
