Update on
Michigan Street Bridge
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Description of Bridge
The two-lane bridge spans the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal in the central business district of Sturgeon Bay. Built in 1930, it is only one of two bridges of its type in the United States—an upper rolling lift bascule bridge. The 1,420-foot bridge is comprised of a counter-balanced, movable span and 12 concrete and steel truss approach spans. The bridge, a familiar sight for Door County vacationers and locals, is listed on the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places and is a candidate for the national list.
Condition of Bridge
The federal highway department has deemed that the traffic flow to downtown Sturgeon Bay requires a 4-lane bridge. After much research and citizen advocacy, it was determined that a new 2-lane bridge and the historic 2-lane Michigan Street Bridge would safely handle the needs of downtown traffic. Until the new bridge is completed in 2008, a 5-ton weight limit has been imposed for the Michigan Street Bridge.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Web site gives this description and plan for bridge work in Sturgeon Bay:
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is planning two major bridge projects in Sturgeon Bay. The first project involves constructing a new bridge from Maple Street to Oregon Street. The second project, reconditioning the existing Michigan Street bridge, will begin once the Maple to Oregon Street bridge is completed….
The Michigan Street bridge spans the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal in the central business district of Sturgeon Bay in scenic Door County. In engineering terms, the 1,420-foot bridge is comprised of a rolling-lift bascule "movable" span and 12 concrete and steel truss approach spans. The Michigan Street bridge was built in 1930.
The bridge is significant because of its central location in the city and because it is one of only two crossings at Sturgeon Bay connecting upper and lower Door County. It is also eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge rehabilitation will replace much of the operating machinery while preserving the historical integrity of the operating system. The estimated cost of rehabilitation is $13 million….
The two bridge projects are necessary to:
Provide a functional, reliable downtown transportation link across Sturgeon Bay.
Serve present and future bicycle, pedestrian, vehicle, and marine traffic needs.
Provide a facility compatible with existing and future downtown Sturgeon Bay comprehensive planning.
Preserve the Michigan Street bridge which is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Maple/Oregon Bridge is currently under construction with completion slated for Fall 2008. Upon its completion, the Michigan Street Bridge work is scheduled to get underway. This work will include replacing the draw section and restoring the bridge to its 25-ton weight limit and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.
Mission of Citizens for Our Bridge
We are a grassroots group, established 10 years ago, to save the historic Michigan Street Bridge by raising public awareness and money for repairs, maintenance and restoration that are not covered by federal or state financing. We have a week-long celebration every June at which songwriters create music and donate their performances and songs to raise funds for the bridge. We have recently produced our first CD of original songs mostly based on a bridge metaphor. Proceeds from the sale of the CD support the first-of-its-kind fund held by the National Trust. Musicians from across the United States including Jackson Browne, Jane Weidlin (The Go-Go’s) and hundreds of others have come to this community, written their songs, and dedicated their efforts to preserving the historic bridge.
Contact Us
Christie Weber, CFOB President
920-596-3779
steelbridgesongfest.org