6 Most Traveled Bridges in Wisconsin In Desperately Poor Condition

The top most traveled bridges in Wisconsin that are in desperately poor condition were all built in 1968 or earlier. They are all urban interstates or main roads, and they are all rated structurally deficient by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

What Is a Structurally Deficient Bridge?

According to ARTBA, the government classifies a bridge as structurally deficient when one of the key structural elements is in poor or worse condition. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation defines structural deficiency as an “engineering term referring to a bridge with one or more elements that will require attention. The classification does not mean the bridge is unsafe for travel.”

What Is the State of Wisconsin’s Bridges?

Currently, Wisconsin has identified 1,759 bridges that need repairs. That may sound like a lot, but it’s an improvement from 2019. At that time 1,905 bridges ranked as needing repairs. Furthermore, out of Wisconsin’s 14,412 bridges, 6.5% (943) are “structurally deficient.” That means that one of the key elements is in poor or worse conditions.

Many of Wisconsin’s bridges that are in poor condition are in rural areas. However, some bridges that require repairs are heavily traveled each day. Read on for the most traveled bridges in Wisconsin in poor condition.

#1: I-43 Over Glendale Avenue — Milwaukee County

• Year built: 1960
• Daily crossings: 126,000

Located in Milwaukee, WI, the bridge along Interstate 43 that crosses Glendale Avenue is currently classified as structurally deficient. Further, projections for the bridge predict that traffic will increase to 144,650 daily crossings by 2041. The biggest issue with the bridge is the substructure is rated in poor condition with advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling, or scour. Fortunately, there is a current project in place to replace the deteriorating bridge in the near future.

#2: I-94 Freeway Over Mitchell Boulevard — Milwaukee County

• Year built: 1959
• Daily crossings: 82,500

Another heavily traveled bridge in need of repairs in Milwaukee is the I-94 overpass on the freeway that crosses Mitchell Boulevard. Despite being built in the 1950s, the bridge has not been reconstructed. The main issue with the bridge is in its deck and superstructure, including overall deterioration and advanced section loss.

#3: I-41/I-45 Over West Mill Road — Milwaukee County

• Year built: 1967
• Daily crossings: 58,500

Constructed in the 1960s and reconstructed over 37 years ago, the Interstate 41 and 44 bridges that cross West Mill Road are projected to increase from 58,500 daily crossings to 95,500 in 2041. However, despite the heavy travel, the substructure is rated in poor condition. Construction on the bridges is scheduled to begin in 2026.

#4: John Nolen Drive over Lake Monona — Dane County

• Year built: 1968
• Daily crossings: 42,883

The bridges that carry John Nolen Drive across Lake Monona in Madison, WI, were built in the 1960s and have not been reconstructed since. The main issue is the superstructure is in poor condition. Fortunately, there is a project in the works to replace six of the bridges on the major artery that travels across Lake Monona. The project costs a projected $11 million and will begin in 2025.

#5: West Silver Spring Drive Over Lincoln Creek — Milwaukee County

• Year built: 1958
• Daily crossings: 39,100

Built in 1958, and never reconstructed, the bridge that carries West Silver Spring Drive over Lincoln Creek in Milwaukee, WI, needs repairs. Furthermore, it’s in a busy location with nearly 40,000 crossings per day.

#6: Century Avenue Over Pheasant Branch Creek — Dane County

• Year built: 1956
• Daily crossings: 36,178

The last bridge on our list is also the oldest. Built in 1956, the last time the Century Avenue crossing over Pheasant Branch Creek in Middleton, WI, was reconstructed was nearly 50 years ago. Consequently, the deck and substructure are in poor condition. The location is near the popular attraction of the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail.

Summary of the 6 Most Traveled Bridges in Wisconsin In Desperately Poor Condition