County Highway I bridge replaced

County Highway I's bridge over Kelsey Branch, built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1950, needed to be replaced. The area experienced flooding, damaging the bridge. This prompted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to replace the bridge before fall. WisDOT hired Fehr Graham to observe construction.

Construction started in August when bridge designs were complete. The late start meant crews raced against the clock to finish removing and replacing deck supports before winter, so the road could be plowed. When construction closed for the winter, the bridge was covered in gravel, so it could be opened to local traffic. The bridge was paved and completed the following spring.

To prevent future flooding and allow more farm traffic, the bridge was widened, and the road was raised 3 feet to keep it out of the creek. The improvements made the bridge safer and less prone to flooding. The bridge should serve the county for an additional 50 years.

AT A GLANCE
» Observed construction.
» Completed construction engineering.