Highway 179 Bridge construction continues
By Ted Pennekamp
The Highway 179 Bridge over the Kickapoo River between Eastman and Steuben is being replaced. Construction of the new bridge is continuing this fall and is expected to be completed in November. The former bridge was taken down beginning Aug. 5.
Michael Bie, regional communications manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), said the project was let to Lunda Construction for $2.4 million.
Bie said the project cost share is 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent state funding.
“The purpose of the project is to replace the bridge structure on WIS 179 over the Kickapoo River,” said Bie, who noted that the former high truss bridge had advanced deterioration in the steel, fracturing in critical elements and was restricted in width.
This project will consist of replacing the former structure and reconstructing the roadway approaches along WIS 179. The project will also include replacing the guardrail to meet current standards.
Detour
Traffic will be delayed due to the detour for the reconstruction of the bridge. The detour route uses the following roads: Highway 27, Highway 171 and Highway 131.
A detour map, can be viewed at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/wis179-bridge/defau....