Statement on the closure of the 16th Street Viaduct

I have been briefed by City Engineer Kevin Muhs of the Department of Public Works on the status of the closure of the 16th Street Viaduct, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

As DPW announced on Thursday, December 5, an in-depth inspection found that a bridge element was determined to require further evaluation and possible repairs, requiring the bridge to be closed to traffic. Again, because the bridge element is located south of the viaduct ramp, the entire bridge must be closed.

The closure is in place at 16th and Pierce, and at the bottom of the viaduct ramp (importantly, Pierce Street remains accessible to traffic).

The northern portion of the 16th Street Viaduct over the Menomonee River was already closed as part of an ongoing rehabilitation project between Canal and Clybourn.

The safety of motorists and pedestrians is job number ONE, and we must keep the bridge closed until it is deemed safe to reopen. We will know more in coming days and I will do everything possible to keep constituents and the public aware of any developments.

I want to thank DPW for their actions to help maintain public safety, and I ask for continued patience as the bridge undergoes additional inspections and as possible repairs move forward.

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.