Wednesday, September 25, 2024
The pedestrian bridge covered with chain-link fencing and Do Not Enter signs will be restored through a Wisconsin Department of Transportation cost-share program.
The bridge has been off limits since 2012 because of safety concerns. Tucked behind the Waupaca Thrift Store, the bridge is on Cooper Street that runs parallel to Riverview Park.
The south side of the bridge is located on high ground as Cooper Street goes uphill to connect to Division Street. Crossing the bridge leads to Hidden Park, also called Schwenn/ Lions Park.
“We’ve been trying for a number of years to come up with a good plan to replace it, come up with funding and we feel this one has finally stuck. This an 80/20 cost-share. That is just eligible construction items. The planning and design is 100% city. There will be some sidewalks and some other amenities such as grass and landscaping. Their share [Wisconsin DOT] will be $972,900 and out 20% will be $243,225,” said Director of Public Works Justin Berrens.
Berrens said this construction would be a year behind the Fulton Street project in order to spread out the city’s construction resources. The cost includes the removal of the old bridge.
The land is owned by Bank First and the city has a letter saying that they will cooperate with to make the project a reality.
The deadline to complete the project and use the funds is June 2030.
Waupaca Common council unanimously approved entering the agreement with the DOT cost-share program.
“This is something we feel like the community is going to get behind and we feel like we’re going to get some support from the city,” said Mayor Brian Smith.
