Wells Street Bridge set to close for eight months Monday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee DPW announced that the Wells Street bridge over the Milwaukee River will close Monday, March 5 through November.

The vertical lift bridge from the 1980s is a major artery that connects the East and Westown neighborhoods and needs to be rehabilitated. Work will include upgrading the structural, hydraulic and electrical components. In addition curbs, gutters, and sidewalks will be replaced where necessary.

Traffic will be re-routed to the Kilbourn Avenue bridge from N. Broadway on the east side of the bridge, and from N. Old World Third Street on the west side of the bridge.

The Milwaukee Riverwalk will be closed at the bridge to pedestrians to accommodate construction. Other areas of the Riverwalk will be open.

There will be no on-street parking on Wells St. between N. Plankinton Ave. and N. Water St.

The Milwaukee River navigation channel will remain open during construction.

When completed, the Wells Street bridge will have an 11-foot driving lane in each direction and new bicycle plating in each direction for bicyclist safety. New traffic railings will be installed on the sidewalk near the curb for pedestrian safety.