WisDOT, City of Racine share update on WIS 38 Root River bridge project in Racine County

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and City of Racine today shared an update on the WIS 38 Root River bridge project, between County MM and Rapids Drive, in Racine County.

Utility work in the area, separate from the WisDOT construction project, has delayed the start of the WIS 38 Root River bridge reconstruction. WisDOT staff are working in coordination with the City of Racine to reschedule the project, originally set to begin this summer. During this process, staff may adjust schedules of future area improvement projects to minimize impacts.

Community involvement is an important part of any transportation project. Last month, WisDOT staff hosted a public involvement meeting to provide timely updates on the WIS 38 bridge project. Future public involvement meetings and outreach efforts are expected as the project progresses.

“After hearing the concerns from a number of businesses and community members, I would like to thank the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for being receptive to our input on the Rapids Drive Bridge project,” City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason said. “I am working closely with WisDOT to understand the future of the project and encourage the community to contribute to the public engagement process over the next few months as we all are in this together.”

WisDOT recognizes the impacts for businesses located in or near work zones. In conjunction with the new project schedule, WisDOT staff are reevaluating the alternative to keep the bridge open during construction, and identifying potential travel impacts while replacing the 60-year-old bridge.

The reconstruction project will address the deteriorated bridge structure built over the Root River and improve overall traffic operations and safety within the project corridor. Further updates on the WIS 38 bridge project will be provided on the website, https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/se/38rootriver/default.aspx.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.