Could Mason Street bridge be reconstructed? Green Bay, DOT look at long-term options. Here’s what to know

Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) outlined plans on Tuesday evening to enhance the Mason Street lift bridge followed by reconstructing or replacing the span across the Fox River over the next decade.

About 30 citizens, along with several business people, and a City Council member representing some of the area serviced by the bridge attended Tuesday’s forum at Washington Middle School. The DOT, in seeking public input on the project, held the event. Two DOT officials and a consultant briefly addressed the public about the plans during the forum.

The DOT has shared information about the project, however, has not yet disclosed a cost figure.

Here’s what you need to know based on the discussions at Tuesday’s forum and information from the DOT:

Significance of the Mason Street Bridge for Green Bay

The Donald A. Tilleman Bridge, also known as the Mason Street bridge, carries State 54/Mason Street traffic across the Fox River, catering to 34,200 vehicles on an average day. It is one of the three bridges across the Fox River in downtown Green Bay. The state Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the bridge, given that it’s also a state highway. The current four-lane bridge was constructed in 1973.

Project Details

The rehabilitation project is set to commence in 2026, focusing on the lift span on the bridge that is raised for ship traffic on the river. The amount of improvement to the existing bridge will be determined by the replacement work DOT chooses to carry out.

If the bridge is replaced, plans include adjusting the height of the span, potentially reducing it to a level closer to the ground. The replacement or reconstruction phase would impact the entire span from 12th Street on the west side to Webster Avenue on the east side. Work is not expected to commence until around 2031 or 2032.

Possible Outcomes of the Mason Street Bridge Project

• No change: The span is built at essentially the same height, and with essentially the same ramp system.

• Lowering the bridge: DOT builds the new bridge closer to street level.

• Combination: Build a bridge that combines multiple elements of the two approaches.

Project Schedule and Driving Factors

The DOT is anticipated to address the amount of repair versus the amount of pure construction after 2026. Building is set to commence in 2031. The main factors driving the project are heavy usage, icy/snowy weather during winters requiring frequent repairs, and concerns raised by drivers, such as long on/off ramps and lack of room to merge.

Further Information and Public Comments

For those seeking detailed information on the project, the DOT has two pages dedicated to the project:

To comment on the rehabilitation project: You can download a comment form.

For the replacement/reconstruction project: You can also comment online.

Next Steps and Public Engagement

The DOT plans to hold two more public meetings, with the next one slated for fall 2024.

Email Doug Schneider at [email protected], or call him at (920) 599-0809, and X (formerly Twitter) @PGDougSchneider for any further information.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: DOT, Green Bay look at possibly replacing Mason Street bridge