16th Street Bridge Closure Update
The 16th Street Bridge was closed to traffic on December 5, 2025, after an in-depth inspection identified one floor beam showing signs of accelerated wear compared to surrounding bridge elements. Due to the level of wear, the floor beam was determined to require immediate replacement.
Since December 2025, the project team has been working to design and fabricate a steel replacement beam for the 1929-built bridge, as well as procure the necessary materials for installation. Due to delays in this process, delivery of the replacement beam is now anticipated to occur on or around June 1, at which point installation work will begin.
With crews working six days per week, installation is estimated to be complete by July 2026. Following installation, the southern portion of the viaduct will reopen to traffic south of Canal Street, and the project will return to its original detour route.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation work on the northern portion of the 16th Street Bridge continues to progress on schedule. Current work includes sandblasting and priming operations, as well as preparation for the removal of obsolete movable bridge operating equipment. The full rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by October 2026, at which point 16th Street will reopen to all traffic.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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