The St. Paul Avenue bridge over the Milwaukee River will reopen in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward today.
Construction started September 3 to repair the bridge, which was built in 1966. The steel lift span was replaced; new concrete deck was poured at approach spans; steel members were sandblasted and painted; hydraulic, mechanical and electrical upgrades were completed; concrete was repaired on abutments and piers; and it was repaved with asphalt.
Activities celebrating the new vertical lift bridge are being held until 3 p.m. They include yoga, chair massages, art activities, live music and several dance performances.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderman Bob Bauman, Department of Public Works Commissioner Ghasson Korban, BID #2 Chair Ronald San Felippo and Third Ward professionals will be at the event.
Construction on I-794 near the bridge is ongoing. The Historic Third Ward Association partnered with the state beginning in January to run a shuttle throughout the neighborhood for employees and customers forced to park farther away due to the construction projects.
