Public meeting planned to discuss Water Street bridge replacement project

April 29, 2013

Meeting to focus on project need and alternatives

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northwest Region in Eau Claire is announcing a public information meeting to discuss plans to replace the aging Water Street Bridge in Eau Claire. The meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 9 at the UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center, Room 160, 121 Water Street, Eau Claire.

The bridge was constructed in 1947 and numerous maintenance projects have been done over the years, but it’s nearing the end of its useful service life and is scheduled for replacement.

The project includes:

• Replacement of the Water Street Bridge
• Minimal approach work
• Traffic signal modifications
• Decorative street lighting
• Bike/pedestrian trail construction. The new structure will be slightly wider and will accommodate both bicycles and pedestrians.

Preliminary design work is underway with final plans expected in the fall of 2014. Construction would begin in the fall of 2015 and take two construction seasons to complete.

Traffic control
The Water Street Bridge will be closed during construction. A detour route using the Lake Street Bridge is anticipated. Pedestrians will be required to use the Lake Street Bridge or the UWEC pedestrian footbridge.

If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like more information, contact WisDOT Project Manager Tara Weiss, P.E. at (715) 836-2283. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Tara Weiss, WisDOT, 718 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

For more information, contact:
Communications Manager Chris Ouellette, WisDOT NW Region
(715) 833-9814, chris.ouellette@dot.wi.gov