WELLS STREET BRIDGE OVER THE MILWAUKEE RIVER REHABILITATION PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE-JUNE 2019
Due to colder than normal weather last fall, some work for the bridge project was postponed. The contractor plans to finish the remaining work during the week of June 10th, weather permitting. Expect lane shifts over the bridge to occur on Monday and Tuesday for the contractor to seal the bridge deck with a polymer overlay. One lane of traffic in each direction will continue to be maintained.
The Wells Street Bridge be fully closed to traffic and pedestrians beginning Wednesday, June 12th and is anticipated to be re-open on Friday, June 14th by the evening. Local access to adjacent businesses and properties will be maintained. During this closure, the contractor will finish concrete staining of the piers under the bridge and will conduct final testing of the electrical system.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Wells Street Bridge over the Milwaukee River, located between North Water Street and North Plankinton Avenue, will be closed for rehabilitation. The vertical lift bridge was built in 1985 and is one of the main arteries that connect Milwaukee's Downtown and Westown neighborhoods.
The work will upgrade structural, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical components and replace curbs, gutters and sidewalk slabs as necessary due to condition or grade change.
When completed, the bridge will provide for an 11-foot driving lane in each direction and add bicycle plating to accommodate bicyclists in each direction. New traffic railings will be installed on the sidewalk near the curb for pedestrian safety. Outer railings will remain the same.
The Wells Street Bridge will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic for the duration of the project.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION
The City of Milwaukee works to minimize impact for businesses, residents and the traveling public during construction.
Construction Hours: Construction work is allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The operation of any motorized equipment will not be allowed between 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. without prior written approval. Work over weekends and holidays will be allowed with department approval.
Contractor: Zenith Tech, Inc.
Traffic Detour Route: Vehicular traffic will be re-routed to the Kilbourn Avenue bridge from N. Broadway on the east side of the bridge, and from N. Old World Third Street on the west side of the bridge.
Parking Information: There will be no on-street parking available on Wells Street between North Plankinton Avenue and North Water Street during construction.
Pedestrian Access: Although no pedestrians will be allowed to travel over the bridge during construction, pedestrians will be able to travel to those properties and businesses that abut the bridge during construction, with the least amount of inconvenience. A detour route will guide pedestrians to the two nearest bridges, Kilbourn Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue bridges.
Riverwalk Access: The Riverwalk will be closed at the bridge to pedestrians to accommodate construction. Other areas of the Riverwalk will remain open.
Boat Access: The Milwaukee River navigation channel will remain open during construction.
PROJECT CONTACTS