The situation?
The Village of Oconomowoc Lake (Waukesha County) bridge that carries East Wisconsin Avenue over the Oconomowoc River was unexpectedly closed in October 2024 by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). State inspectors found deterioration issues with the approximately 80-year-old bridge, owned by the state and maintained by Waukesha County. 

The sudden closure affects businesses along East Wisconsin Avenue and their customers and suppliers. WisDOT directs motorists to use WIS 16 to get around the closure.  

How did this happen?
Due to its age and condition, WisDOT had scheduled the bridge to be repaired or replaced in 2027 or 2028. However, deteriorating infrastructure can reach a tipping point and quickly move from safe to of concern. This closure highlights bridge inspectors’ role in keeping Wisconsinites safe and the need for a more timely schedule for addressing these vital but aging bridges.

What’s next?
WisDOT is developing an expedited construction plan to replace the bridge in 2025 and restore the community’s traffic and commerce flow.