The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) begins construction on the Main Street Bridge on US 45 over the Fox River in the city of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin on September 2, 2025. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding construction operations, schedule, traffic impacts, and information for businesses.

WORK BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, WITH FULL BRIDGE CLOSURE

Project location

The Main Street Bridge (B-70-56) over the Fox River and approaches, the city of Oshkosh, Winnebago County.

• View project location on map (pdf)

Project purpose and need

The structure is safe for vehicle and pedestrian crossing. The purpose of the project is to preserve the operation of the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of the US 45 Main Street Bridge. The existing structure and its mechanical and electrical elements have received various repairs and maintenance over its lifespan, but the structure has become deficient due to varying levels of deterioration. Many of the elements are deteriorated or have exhausted their useful service life. These include structural, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical components.

Project improvements

This is a rehabilitation-level project. Bridge improvements include:

• Rehabilitate existing electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components of the bascule span
• Minor repairs to the operator’s house, hydraulic power units, and access platforms
• Concrete deck repairs and overlay of the fixed approach spans
• Removal and replacement of the steel grid deck on the movable span.

Anticipated Benefits

• Decreased maintenance costs associated with the structure
• Improved operation of the movable span
• Extending the life of the existing structure by replacing deteriorated and worn-out components

Schedule
Construction will begin September 2, 2025, and conclude in the spring of 2026

Traffic impacts
The bridge will be CLOSED from Sept. 2, 2025, to April 2026.  Detours will be provided for vehicles and pedestrians. Local, business, and emergency access will be maintained.

• Vehicle detour: The detour utilizes 9th Avenue, Oregon Street, and Jackson Street.
• Pedestrian detour: Uses sidewalks along 6th Avenue, Oregon Street, Jackson Street, Division Street, Pearl Avenue, and Main Street.
  • View both detour routes on a map (pdf)

Marine impacts

• Stage 1: September 2, 2025, through October 14, 2025 – Lift spans will operate normally for all boats that require an opening.
• Stage 2: October 15, 2025, through April 15, 2026 – Lift spans will remain closed and masted vessels will not be allowed to pass through (under) the bridge.
  • Smaller (un-masted) vessels that don’t require a bridge opening will be able to pass through (under) the bridge at any time (just not under the lift/movable spans).

US Coast Guard (USGA) local notice to mariners (LNM). The USCG will post LNM on the below link.

• View USCG Local Notice to Mariners navigation information website

Temporary Business Signing

Temporary business signing may be placed during the detoured portion of the project by filling out a WisDOT temporary business signing permit. The permit is free. All temporary business signing needs approval via the permit before placement to ensure it is in a safe location and do not pose a visual distraction or traffic hazard. Costs associated with creating the temporary signing are the responsibility of the business.

Please keep the following items in mind regarding business signing:

• Temporary business signings cannot be placed on traffic control devices or state signs.
• WisDOT encourages businesses to team up and have multiple businesses listed on one sign structure versus several individual signs. This makes it easier for travelers to identify signs and find their destination.

Temporary Business Sign permits are available as a fillable-form WORD document or standard pdf file download. You can also request one from WisDOT Project Manager Bill Bertrand, via email or phone below.

• Go to WisDOT Temporary Signing Permit Application (with instructions)
  • Please email the completed permit to Bill Bertrand, or if you prefer to mail the completed form, please address to Bill Bertrand, WisDOT NE Region, 944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304.

WisDOT Resources for Businesses

WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones have special needs. While signing and other marketing/advertising during the construction is up to the business, WisDOT has business resources available through its “In This Together” website to assist businesses with planning for construction closures and minimizing the impact of construction.

• For more information, please visit WisDOT’s In This Together website

Project contacts

The project will have an onsite construction office and an onsite construction manager. For all construction questions while work is taking place, please call or email the construction project manager or arrange a time to come to the construction office.

Project construction leader

Erik Hendrickson, Project Construction Leader
Email: Erik.Hendrickson@mbakerintl.com
Phone: (920) 312-4075

Onsite construction project office: TBA

WisDOT Project Manager

Bill Bertrand, P.E., WisDOT Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 360-3124
Email: william.bertrand@dot.wi.gov