LE CLAIRE, Iowa -
After more than three months, the Interstate 80 bridge has traffic moving smoothly in both directions between Iowa and Illinois.
That has many Illinois customers who have been avoiding coming to Iowa to do their business coming back. Many had to drive to another city to cross the Mississippi River to make it over. Places like the Bier Stube in Le Claire, are happy to see their clientele return.
"This gentleman over here at the bar actually is from Port Byron. He said 'I haven't been coming over here because the bridge is closed. And now, that's it open, I decided to come over and see you and that's a good thing for us," says Manager Jennifer Boyd.
Not only are they getting their customers back, the bar's employees are thrilled to have the bridge open, as well. "I have people who work here who drive 49 minutes home that live over there."
The opening of the bridge comes just in time for this weekends tugfest in both Le Claire and Port Byron.
That has many Illinois customers who have been avoiding coming to Iowa to do their business coming back. Many had to drive to another city to cross the Mississippi River to make it over. Places like the Bier Stube in Le Claire, are happy to see their clientele return.
"This gentleman over here at the bar actually is from Port Byron. He said 'I haven't been coming over here because the bridge is closed. And now, that's it open, I decided to come over and see you and that's a good thing for us," says Manager Jennifer Boyd.
Not only are they getting their customers back, the bar's employees are thrilled to have the bridge open, as well. "I have people who work here who drive 49 minutes home that live over there."
The opening of the bridge comes just in time for this weekends tugfest in both Le Claire and Port Byron.
