Washington Park Bridges

Update 09.20.23

Funding to construct the new bridges was approved in the Milwaukee County 2023 capital budget. The project team is now working to complete design and construction documents for bidding and construction of the new bridges.

Scope of Work: 2021-2023

Funding for the design phase of the project to repair or replace the Washington Park lagoon bridges was approved in 2021. Project consultants first completed an in-depth report of the existing bridges. This study included a comprehensive review of bridge history, construction methods, current conditions including engineering analysis, load rating analysis, and alternatives (including the recommended alternative) for restoration or replacement. See link to download the report on the right side of this page.

After initial analysis, the first public meeting was held in December 2021 to present possible options for repair or replacement; four alternatives were presented. Results of the public meeting were considered in selecting rehabilitation or design options for replacement of the bridges. After additional analysis and study, new concrete structures were chosen as the best option.

A second Public Information Meeting to review progress and design recommendations for the project took place on January 4, 2023. The public was presented with the PowerPoint presentation found on the right side of the page under "Documents", and renderings of the proposed bridge design (below) were also shared. As detailed in the PowerPoint presentation, the recommendation is to replace the existing bridges with new, concrete structures similar to those in the rendered images.

Timeline – 2023 to 2024

The proposed timeline for completing the project is as follows:

• Complete final plans and construction documents; advertise for bidding: December 2023 – January 2024
• Begin construction: March 2024
• Substantial completion of project: July 1, 2024