Proposed Improvements

The Dewey Street Bridge was built in 1931. The Dewey Street project proposes a re-decking & historic restoration of this bridge and roadway, which is located at the crossing of the Eau Claire River between Eau Claire & Galloway Streets.

Timeframe & Project Components

The project would take approximately four months to complete and includes a historic rehabilitation of the concrete as well as improvement of the approaches. New sidewalk, lighting, and bridge railings would also be included.

Public Involvement in April 2019

In 2016, WisDOT had approved financial assistance to the City of Eau Claire for the project; funds were scheduled for construction in 2020. A public involvement meeting was held in April 2019 to discuss the proposed improvements, which were anticipated to begin no earlier than 5/15/20 due to WDNR stream restrictions. Public Involvement Meeting Notice (pdf)

Project Delayed to 2021

The project was bid in December 2019, but the bids were rejected due to significantly exceeding the project estimate from 2016. Plans and specifications for the project were revised to achieve cost savings; the project was delayed with anticipated construction to begin in 2021. 

Project is Re-Bid: January 2021

The project was re-bid in January 2021, and the bids remained significantly higher than the estimate from 2016. Consistency of the 2019 & 2021 bids received indicated they were representative of realistic costs and were reflective of higher-than-anticipated inflation. A resolution to approve the bid was brought forth to City Council in January 2021.

Resolution Fails at 1/26/21 City Council Meeting

The City Council considered a resolution on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, recommending WisDOT approve the bid for the Dewey Street Bridge, Project ID 7995-02-47/48, committing the City of Eau Claire to the project, and reallocating funds to meet the City’s commitment. The resolution failed, and the City is continuing to look at alternatives for the Dewey Street project moving forward.

Resolution Approved at 2/28/23 City Council Meeting

The City Council considered a resolution on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, authorizing the Engineering Department to apply for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Grant monies to fund the bridge's replacement. The resolution passed, and the application paperwork was submitted.

March 2023: Bridge Closed for Structural Repairs 

The City issued a press release  on 3/24/23 indicating that the Dewey Street Bridge, located between Galloway Street and the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library would be temporarily closed to traffic and parking for structural inspection and temporary repair.

Media Coverage:

Dewey Street bridge closing after hole discovered - Andrew Dowd, The Leader-Telegram

Dewey Street bridge closed to traffic - WQOW TV-18 

April 2023: Dewey Street Bridge Re-Opens with Restrictions

The Dewey Street Bridge re-opens to passenger vehicle traffic on 4/03/23 with the following restrictions:

Travel is restricted one lane in each direction.

Large truck traffic is detoured to Farwell Street.

Emergency vehicle access will use the structure to maintain response times but will return using Farwell Street.

June 2024: Dewey Street Bridge Posted 10 Tons

As of 6/07/24, the City posted a truck route using Main Street to Farwell Street to Galloway Street for vehicle loads over 10 tons wanting to use the Dewey Street bridge. This posting will help to maintain passenger operations on the bridge until the structure can be reconstructed, which is anticipated to occur in 2027.