Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Construction signs blocking the Highway 23 bridge while it is closed for construction. Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor 
A view of construction and equipment on the Highway 23 bridge near the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Center. Construction work on the bridge will continue in Spring, once temperatures rise. Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor
The dedicated employees of Kraemer North America and the pleasant weather for the last few months have kept this project on schedule. The removal of the concrete deck and parapet walls were completed Dec. 22.
WisDOT, WisDNR and Kraemer North America have worked together to ensure the removal process has minimized debris from entering the Wisconsin River. Kraemer North America used various methods to meet this requirement (including cutting the deck in small manageable pieces, hanging specifically designed collection bins to catch the debris, etc.). This project also required detailed river bottom scans both before and after the deck removal to confirm debris did not enter the river. Both scans are now complete and being reviewed. If any debris is found by this review, it will be removed as quickly as possible (most likely this week).
The remaining piers and steel girders from the previous bridge will be utilized for the new concrete deck and parapet walls. The employees of Kraemer North America have already begun the necessary repairs to the steel girders and placing the forms required to pour next year’s concrete. They plan to continue working as long as the Wisconsin winter weather allows. Then they will be back as soon as possible this spring to finish placing forms, laying the steel rebar and pouring the new concrete deck.
A few reminders, as mentioned previously:
· Thank you for your patience during this construction project, utilizing our detour route and driving safe.
· The bridge will remain closed throughout the winter and spring. The bridge is to be open to traffic (likely one lane that will utilize traffic signals to alternate traffic between northbound to southbound vehicles) in June of 2021. The entire project is to be completed and the bridge fully open to traffic in September of 2021.
· The river under the bridge will be a work zone during construction. The river will remain open to boaters and other recreational users, but some portions will be restricted for your protection. Be alert for crews working and use caution when navigating this area.