The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is planning two major bridge projects in Sturgeon Bay. The first project involves constructing a new bridge from Maple Street to Oregon Street. The second project, reconditioning the existing Michigan Street bridge, will begin once the Maple to Oregon Street bridge is completed.
The Michigan Street Bridge spans the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, connecting the central business district of Sturgeon Bay in scenic Door County. In engineering terms, the 1,420-foot bridge is comprised of a rolling-lift bascule "movable" span and 12 concrete and steel truss approach spans. The Michigan Street Bridge was built in 1930.
The bridge is significant because of its central location in the city and because it is one of two crossings at Sturgeon Bay connecting upper and lower Door County.
On March 7, 2002, WisDOT announced its decision to rehabilitate the existing two-lane Michigan Street Bridge.
Prior to the decision, WisDOT conducted a study to determine how to best meet the long-term transportation needs of downtown Sturgeon Bay.
The study was needed because the existing bridge was:
* Functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.
* Posted for a five-ton load limit.
* Subject to recurring maintenance.