The Racine Street Bridge in Menasha, Wisconsin closed in September of 2021 for stage 2 of its construction, which was supposed to be done in June of this year. However, the bridge is now expected to be closed longer than expected.
The construction that was being worked on included continued construction of the new bascule span, start of construction of the fixed approach spans, demolishing and removing the existing Racine Street Bridge, and construction on the western retaining wall
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), the extended closure is because of "material supply chain challenges on key components that are instrumental in raising and lowering the lift bridge.”
Another component that is delayed provides lighting for motorists traveling through the new roundabout intersections on either side of the bridge.
According to WisDOT, the bridge components, which include bearings and couplings that help the lowering and raising of the bridge span, are scheduled for delivery in August. WisDOT Officials said the installation is expected to begin in September.
Main St. and Ahnaip St. roundabouts were scheduled to open by the end of August, but is now expected to open by late September 2022.
Racine St. Bridge was scheduled to open open to vehicle traffic in September, but is now expected to open in mid-December 2022.
Officials also gave an update about the roundabouts construction. They said it is mostly complete at the Main and Ahnaip Street roundabouts. “However, material supply issues are impacting installation of overhead street lighting.”
The lighting is scheduled to be installed in late September.
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Source: WisDOT
