The repair of the Historic High Bridge was completed in March 2022; this award-winning project received national recognition in July 2023 and was presented an award in October 2023 from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

October 2023: Historic Preservation Award from Wisconsin Historical Society

"City of Eau Claire Receives 2023 Historic Preservation Award from Wisconsin Historical Society"
City of Eau Claire News, Oct. 12, 2023

"2023 Historic Preservation Award Winner Announced"
Wisconsin Historical Society, 2023.

July 2023: National Recognition for Historic Preservation

"APWA Announces the 2023 Public Works Projects of the Year: High Bridge Rehabilitation Project"
APWA Reporter, Jul. 2023.

Letter Received from Chris Larson, Wisconsin State Senator, District 7.pdf

March 2022: Repairs Complete & High Bridge Re-Opened

Repair of the high bridge was complete with the bridge re-opened to the public on 3/16/22. 

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Re-Opening

A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on 3/28/22 at 11:00am to celebrate the re-opening of the historic bridge. A news released was posted inviting the public to attend the event, which took place at the west entrance of the bridge (near First Street).

News Release: High Bridge Reopening Ribbon Cutting.pdf

High Bridge Repair Live-Cam

August 2021: Repairs Begin 

Rock Sockets 

Kraemer began mobilizing crews on 8/09/21  to work at the installation of rock sockets, which were mechanisms used to anchor equipment around the piers. H-piles were stuck in the water around Pier 3, which would be set in the rock sockets and help support the bridge during pier reconstruction. Truss analysis and shoring design was then completed on 8/30/21.

Water Levels Delay Work

Water levels delayed work for approximately one week but rock socket installation on Pier 3, the center-most pier in the water, was completed on 9/02/21.

Scour Repair, Removal Work & Tower Completion

Scour repair of the piers was completed next beginning with Pier 4 in the water closest to the east bank. Removal work on the east and west abutments also took place, which needed to be done to address worn-out bearing pads. Improving the bearing pads would allow the bridge to expand and contract properly without buckling members of the structure.

A tower was constructed to stabilize the bridge while work continued to remove and rebuild the piers.

July 2021: Emergency Repair Agreement Approved

On July 13, 2021, the Eau Claire City Council approved an emergency agreement for repair of the High Bridge to Kraemer North America. Immediately, City staff and Kraemer starting working with Haas Construction to get a causeway built to access the piers of the structure.

Causeway Completed

June 2021: High Bridge is Closed

The historic High Bridge that serves as a scenic pedestrian trail crossing over the Chippewa River was closed on 6/23/21 in order to address a significant structural issue.

Initial Closing

The High Bridge was initially closed to the public on 6/21/21 in order to repair a section of railing that was damaged by fallen tree limbs. Meanwhile, a heave had been observed in the bridge deck caused by a crack in one of the piers supporting the bridge. An outside Engineer examined the structure later in the week and recommended further investigation and repair before re-opening the historic bridge to the public.

A Sense of Urgency

Following the initial examination, additional changes occurred in the condition of the bridge making it a more urgent situation. Additional fencing and water barriers were installed to keep boaters, pedestrians & bicyclists away from the structure for their safety.

Preserving History

This special bridge played an important part in the development of the area when it was first built. Today it continues to play an important part of people’s leisure, health, and transportation plans. 140-year-old limestone and the nature of the bridge’s construction meant some changes to the bridge occurred in the repair project, however, every effort was made to conserve this important piece of Eau Claire history as much as possible.

City of Bridges

The City of Eau Claire places great value on our bridges as we have become known as the "City of Bridges." Our bridges are inspected regularly per State regulation, and no indication of structural heaving or damage was noted at this location upon inspection of the bridge in November of 2020.*

*High Bridge Inspection Report - November 2020