SOUTH WASSON LANE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

BACKGROUND

On July 25, 2002 the City was notified by Pierce County bridge inspects of their concerns regarding deterioration of the timber piles supporting the South Wasson Lane bridge over the South Fork of the Kinnickinnic River located between Cascade Avenue and Cemetery Road. The City of River Falls became owners of this bridge when the Wisconsin Department of Transportation built the STH 65 bypass in 1993. Prior to construction of the bypass, this bridge was located on STH 65. In response to the concerns, the City of River Falls retained Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik, and Associates to conduct an inspection of the structure, and determined the safe load-carrying capacity of this bridge. The report from Bonestroo and Associates indicated that this structure should be posted with load restrictions, and appropriate signage for load limits was installed. In a resolution dated August 27, 2002, the Common Council of the City of River Falls asked for assistance and cooperation from Pierce County to replace the Wasson Lane Bridge over the South Fork using State bridge funds. On February 25, 2004, the City was notified that $709,000 had been approved in the 2005-2007 STP Local Bridge Program for replacement of the Wasson Lane Bridge.

PROJECT FUNDING

Federal funding will pay for 80% of the cost for this project. $709,000 had been approved in the 2005-2007 STP Local Bridge Program for replacement of the Wasson Lane Bridge. The City of River Falls CIP for 2005 and 2006 includes proposed funding for the local 20% match.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

South Wasson Lane currently serves as a minor arterial street for the City of River Falls, and plays an important role in the local transportation network. It is one of the main roads used to access the River Falls High School which opened in the fall of 2001, and carries many school buses daily throughout the school year. The new bridge will include a 36' wide roadway, a 16' wide trail on the west side, and a 6' sidewalk on the east side. The posted speed limit on South Wasson Lane is 35 miles per hour.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Due to state budget constraints, this project was moved to the 2008-2009 STP Local Bridge Program timeframe. Bids have been received and a contract awarded to Ruzic Construction in the amount of $754,000 for this project.  Construction is expected to begin in May, 2008 and continue through the summer.  The bridge will be closed during construction.