The City of Milwaukee is rehabilitating the Cherry Street Bridge over the Milwaukee River. Originally built in 1940, the bridge is undergoing improvements to its structural, electrical, and mechanical components, the bridge house, and the approach roadway.

After rehabilitation work began, the project team identified additional repairs that were not included in the original plan and scope. These improvements are necessary to ensure long-term safety, operational reliability, and compliance with state and federal requirements.

To accommodate these additional repairs, specific materials need to be procured, a process which is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 weeks. As a result, the project will begin a work stoppage on Wednesday, July 9, while the procurement of materials takes place.

During the work stoppage, the bridge will remain closed to traffic and current detour routes will remain in place. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained.

The original anticipated completion date for this project was October 2025. With the added work, completion is now anticipated during the 2026 construction season. A more detailed timeline will be shared once material procurement is complete.

The project team thanks you for your patience and cooperation throughout this project!

The City of Milwaukee is rehabilitating the Cherry Street Bridge over the Milwaukee River. The 1940 bridge is receiving improvements to its structural, electrical, and mechanical components, the bridge house, and the approach roadway. The work will address the City’s safety and operational concerns, meet all state and federal requirements, and maintain the unique and historically-significant aspects of the structure.

• Rehabilitate the existing structure
• Make travel safe and comfortable for everyone by including solid surfaces across the deck
• Restore full operational capacity to accommodate river navigation

• Open grid steel deck will be replaced with a solid surface
• New structural steel elements will be installed throughout structure
• Operator's house will be renovated
• Electrical and mechanical systems will be replaced

The construction project is funded through the WisDOT Local Bridge Program and includes 80% State and 20% City funding.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works held a public involvement meeting to receive input and share project details with residents and businesses located in the project area on June 14, 2023 at 5 p.m.