OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Oshkosh Common Council is expected to discuss Tuesday night the long-term future of the Jackson-Oregon Street Bridge, which is currently closed for repairs.
The bridge has been closed since May 26, when some of the internal equipment was discovered to be worn. Once new parts are manufactured, they will be installed, with the state targeting opening in late August. The entire repair project is expected to cost about $120,000.
Separately, for several years the city and state have been studying the long-term future of the crossing, which was built in 1956. It’s scheduled for rehabilitation or reconstruction by the state in 2028.
The state has asked the city for a recommendation, “recognizing that the City of Oshkosh will be responsible for any costs related to designs that incur costs above the lowest-cost reconstruction alternative and for any costs related to additional work that the City may desire, and will become responsible for operation and maintenance upon bridge reconstruction,” according to the item in Tuesday’s agenda packet.
Several options have been identified:
- Alternative A: No Build/Do Nothing
- Alternative B: Rehabilitation
- Alternative C1: High Level Fixed Span (Marion Road)
- Alternative C3: High Level Fixed Span (Marion Road, City Center Access)
- Alternative E: On-Alignment, Raised Clearance
- Alternative F: On-Alignment, Raised Clearance with Both Riverwalks Underneath Bridge
- Alternative J1: Off-Alignment to the West, Raised Clearance with Both Riverwalks Underneath Bridge (Marion Road)
- Alternative J2: Off-Alignment to the West, Raised Clearance with Both Riverwalks Underneath Bridge (Cul-de-sac)
- Alternative M1: High Level Fixed Partial Offset (Marion Road)
- Alternative M2: High Level Fixed Partial Offset (Marion Road, City Center Access)
City manager Mark Rohloff is recommending the off-alignment, fixed-bridge reconstruction M2, with the driveway connection to Division Street rather than to Jackson Street.
“Emergency Services (Police and Fire Departments) recommend a fixed bridge alternative for the increased access that having a bridge that will always be open to vehicular traffic will provide. This increased access will help to reduce overall response times. Public Works recommends a fixed bridge alternative for the lower overall construction costs and lower operation and maintenance costs that would need to be absorbed into the Department’s budget. The Transportation Department recommends a fixed bridge as it will improve transportation safety for all users by reducing conflict points between pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles,” Rohloff wrote.
In May 2017, the council voted 4-3 for replacement with an on-alignment lift bridge, but there was also no clear consensus. The project was delayed in late 2017, and resumed in April 2021, prompting another review of the options.
The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. It will also be streamed live.
