Oshkosh bridge to close for repairs and improvements

OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – Residents and businesses in the City of Oshkosh prepare for the closure and repair of a downtown bridge.

Starting in September 2025, the Main Street Bridge will undergo several improvements designed to increase the life span of the bridge and repair a few structural, electrical, and mechanical issues that it is facing.

Information about the closure and repairs was shared during a virtual meeting of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the public last week.

The bridge, built in 1971, is over 50 years old and needs a little preservation, according to Dan Machamer, the Principal Bridge Engineer of Hardesty and Hanover. 

“It’s still in solid, safe, condition,” said Machamer. “However, it is over 50 years old, and it’s in need of some help. Preservation is the key. We want it to achieve its full design life which is 75 years or more of service life.”

Mark Kantola, Communications Specialist for the Wisconsin DOT echos that the bridge is still perfectly safe.

“I just want to note that this bridge is safe for all vehicle, pedestrian, and boat crossings,” said Kantola. “If you take one thing away from this meeting, besides all the wonderful rehab that’s going to be done, is that this structure is completely safe for you to drive across, boat under, or walk across.”

Of course, as with the closure of any main thoroughfare, the project is expected to cause some headaches, especially in the downtown areas. 

One resident said she is most concerned about the congestion that will be caused by the closure, especially on the north side of the bridge near Pearl and the Convention Center. She mentioned concerns with people going the wrong way on area one-ways and convention at the Oregon/Jackson Bridge.

“At busy times of the day, it’s really bad when there is only one bridge,” the resident said. “I get the detour part but it’s such an enclosed area there. There’s only so many ways you can go, right? You can’t go towards the lake. You can’t go towards the river.” 

Bill Bertrand, DOT project manager says he understands that there will be some inconveniences to businesses and residents.

“With any construction project, there are inconveniences associated with it. We certainly wouldn’t deny that,” said Bertrand. “We will certainly move forward with the work as quickly as possible and as weather and conditions allow out there. It’s already being done…through the winter months to minimize effects on navigation. But we will get through things as quickly as we can.”

The DOT says businesses impacted will have an opportunity for temporary signage during the closures and detours. The website for business resources is www.wisconsindot.gov/Together.

The project is currently in the design stage. Construction is expected to start in September 2025 through the spring of 2026. The bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians during that time.