Woodford Drive Steel Bridge Replacement

Wisconsin DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Grant

(Kewaskum, WI)  - The Town of Barton is excited to announce that, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Town has received a federal grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The grant will fund the replacement of the Woodford Drive bridge over the Milwaukee River.

The project involves the removal of the critically deficient and obsolete truss bridge and the design and construction of a new bridge. The existing bridge was initially closed to vehicular traffic many years ago. The structure remained open for bicycle and pedestrian use for many years until it was recently determined to be unsafe for all users.

The new structure will provide a secondary access route to the Young America neighborhood by reconnecting Woodford Drive east and west of the Milwaukee River. Current access to the Young America area is from N. River Road. In recent years, the Milwaukee River has become more vulnerable to flooding in the area. Should the Milwaukee River flood and block access to Young America along N. River Road, there is currently no way for residents or emergency vehicles to reach the area.

The project is being funded through the BIL grant with no cost commitments required by the Town. Replacement of the bridge would not have been possible using Town funding alone.  

The Town has selected an engineering firm to begin survey and design for the new bridge. The design process is expected to take approximately two years. Construction, which will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, is currently scheduled for 2027. Public informational meetings are planned to share more information about the project as the design progresses. Additional information will be included on the Town of Barton’s website, when available.