Work is progressing on the Beech Street foot bridge over Oak Creek.
A crane has lifted the span back in place, and the remaining work on the railing and asphalt is expected to be completed by the end of the week — making for an easier walk to the South Milwaukee Middle and High School.
Thanks to Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik and her staff for the update.
Filed under 2010 Flooding
Work on repairing the Beech Street foot bridge over Oak Creek is expected to be completed by the end of next week, according to Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik.
That means students may have to find another way to school for a couple of days, but given the amount of work necessary on the bridge, it’s understandable. The bridge was washed away in the July 22-23 storms.
From Supervisor Jursik’s email:
A crane will pick up the bridge downstream and reset it at Beech Street. Staff will anchor the bridge. Forestry has found a path for the crane that will minimize damage to the rich vegetation. We must replace two support beams and the entire deck.
Also, putting to bed some of the rumors floating around, there are no plans to relocate the bridge to Pine Street or any other street, Supervisor Jursik said. However, there may be a need for more substantial (long-term) bridge improvements at Beech some point soon.
Filed under 2010 Flooding
So, it appears the amount of repairs needed on the Beech Street foot bridge over Oak Creek is more than meets the eye.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik got back to me today with an update on the scope of the project to fix the bride, which washed away during the July 22-23 storms — the second time in two years this has happened.
Apparently, the entire deck of the bridge needs to be replaced as well as two of its crossing support beams. County engineers are working on this, and this work must be completed before the bridge is put back in place.
Supervisor Jursik has asked that the work be done by Sept. 1 to accoomodate the dozens of students who use that bridge to get to school everyday, but there are no promises it will be in by that date.
“Parks knows of the target date and is working to get it in,” Supervisor Jursik said in an email.
I’ll keep you posted when I hear more. And you can learn more about the issue in my post below.
In the meantime, there is another point to keep in mind here. From Supervisor Jursik’s email:
I want to remind you that our AFSCME 48 employees which includes Parks must take one furlough day per pay period, this translates into 2 off days (unpaid) every month. It also translates into less work being done. While no one is looking for excuses, this is the reality we live with. Taxpayers must understand that reducing taxes equals reduced services and/or longer time periods to accomplish tasks. This is the reality of life in the county.
Indeed, we can’t have it all, can we?
Filed under 2010 Flooding
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.)
Filed under 2010 Flooding
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