The STH 22-CTH H Shawano Creek Bridge has been slated for replacement because it is
structurally deficient. Because of limited funds, the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation has a new rule that requires bridges be replaced “in-kind.” In other
words, the bridge in Shawano will be replaced as it has functioned since 1951 with
additional width of the road way to meet code. Everything else including height and
width of the water way under will remain the same. The DOT has approved funding
80% and Shawano County will fund 20% of replacing the bridge as is. In order to get
the bridge replaced with more clearance (height) we need to demonstrate to the DOT,
that the bridge is a safety hazard as it exists. Getting approval from the DOT to fund
80% of a more expensive project will be a highly competitive process.
Every community in Wisconsin would like to have their bridges replaced with
superior cosmetics, height and width. But public money is limited. However, if the DOT
understands that safety is a concern and the flow of the water with the current bridge
is a legitimate liability, a variance may be granted. But they need to hear from us!
We could be one of the first communities asking for this variance.
If you feel The HHH (Airport Road) Bridge in Shawano should be raised and/or water
way widened, please take three steps: This is time sensitive and should be
competed by October 31
1. Write the project manager with you concerns by email
keith.behrend@strand.com with some or all of the following points—
focusing on safety issues:
The STH 22-CTH H Shawano Creek Bridge should be raised in height to match the HWY
47/55 Bridge on Main Street in order to provide safe clearance. The additional height
will allow boats to maintain safe visual ahead of their boat while reducing chances of
being injured by a very narrow clearance. The passage under the bridge should be
widened to allow 2 boats to safely enter and exit at the same time. The additional width
of the water way under the bridge will decrease the water current at the bridge
allowing more control of boats and reducing the required speed to maintain control of
boats.
Give examples why this must be done for the safety of the public using this water way.
Personal examples are important. Please focus on the Safety of the height and the
safety risks caused by the flow. Here are some examples:
Currently many boats require the driver to duck their head below the steering wheel
which means the driver is unable to appropriately see the water way or any traffic
approaching in front of their boat while under the bridge. People in wheel chairs must
get out of their wheel chairs in order for their heads to clear. All people with mobility
issues may have a difficult time bending over. Adults must make sure all children are
ducking or lying on the floor for safety.
It is very easy for someone to extend their head a little too high, often just 1 or 2
inches above the rail of the boat, to get a view of the path the boat is traveling and
strike their head on concrete.
The water way is condensed under the bridge compared to the width of the Channel on
both sides. This increases the water flow or current. Boats are required to increase
speed to control their boat, which violates the no wake area.
As a single boat bridge this affects boaters’ ability to judge how fast an oncoming boat
is approaching and often requires one boat to reverse their approach because there is
not enough room to turn around. Often there are additional boats in line, so all the
boats must reverse together at the same speed and maintain a straight course in
reverse. Reversing a boat is a last resort maneuver especially in traffic and increased
water flow. The current width and height requires this to happen often. This is a very
unpredictable and unsafe boating situation.
2. Contact friends and family that use our water way that have concerns
about this bridge. For example there are boaters that frequent Green Bay and
Winnebago who will not use our water way because they do not feel safe
going under the bridge.
Many of our summer visitors have had unfavorable experiences, help their voices be
heard. It is important that feedback comes from people from outside the community as
well.
3. Please call or email Representative Gary Tauchen and Senator Bob Cowles.
Their understanding of our concerns and their advocacy will help greatly in
deciding if we are allowed a variance by the DOT.
Representative Gary Tauchen
608-266-3097
Rep.tauchen@legis.Wisconsin.gov
Senator Bob Cowles
608-266-0484
Sen.Cowles@legis.Wisconsin.gov
