My wife, two kids and I took a pleasant walk along the Oak Creek Parkway tonight, and we solved a mystery along the way.
We found the Beech Street foot bridge.
OK, so it wasn’t much of a mystery. I knew it had washed away during the July 22-23 flooding, and I heard it was sitting, relatively intact, in the river near the lift station at Oak Street. And that’s exactly where we found it, a block from its normal location. (see photo).
You’ll note that it’s laying across the creek at an odd angle, creating a dam of sorts, although water was still flowing past it Sunday. You may also notice that part of the bridge was damaged as it washed away in the storms.
So, what’s next for the Beech Street bridge? It’s a question I posed to Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik.
The foot bridge is an important link between the “tree streets” on the west side of the creek and the South Milwaukee High School and Middle School and Rawson Elementary School on the other. And with the start of school a week and a half away, that connection is in jeopardy.
Supervisor Jursik nows this, and that’s why repairing and/or replacing the bridge is a priority.
Here is an excerpt from her email:
I have gotten many comments about the bridge and especially concerned parents getting plans ready for school. I know how important that bridge is for many children walking to school as it is the only cross over from Rawson all the way to College. I have been in touch with our Parks Dept. several times and have asked them to get it in place before school reopens. They have been working to do this.
She notes one issue, however. Unlike in 2008, when the bridge was also washed away and set back in place shortly after the storm, this time it was damaged. So those damages will have to be addressed before it is re-erected. Plus, Supervisor Jursik argues, and rightfully so, that because of the number of washouts with the bridge, wider footings may also be needed to prevent these in the future.
So, what does this mean as to timing for a replacement? It’s unclear at this point. Supervisor Jursik is going to check with the Parks Department and seek another update. I will post more information when I get it.
(And thanks to Supervisor Jursik for responding so quickly to my inquiry. As a strong supporter of the parks system and even stronger advocate for the 4th District, I know she takes this issue seriously.)
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