County G bridge project underway

By RICHARD JENKINS

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OMA, Wis. - A portion of County Road G in Iron County closed Monday as work got underway building a new bridge.

The work is being done where County G crosses the outlet of Long Lake, approximately 7 miles east of U.S. 51.

The bridge will replace the two existing culverts, which Iron County Highway Commissioner Mike Swartz said badly needed to be replaced.

He said he recognizes the road closure may inconvenience some, but the work couldn't be avoided.

"It needs to be done. ... The culverts were actually deficient to the point they were probably going to be weight restricted," Swartz said. "So this was badly needed."

The choice of a bridge, instead of culverts, will also expand recreational access for those who use the lake.

"With the bridge; now canoeists, kayakers, small boats will have access down the river, so that's a big plus," he said.

Once completed, Swartz said the bridge will have an approximately 40-foot clear span.

The project is being completed by Athens, Wisconsin-based Janke General Contractors, according to Swartz, on a 40-day contract. The company's low bid of $511,459 was a bit higher than anticipated, according to Swartz, but within the estimated project range.

Eighty percent of the project is being funded through federal funds, Swartz said, with Iron County covering the remaining 20%.

He said the highway department is also using the project as an opportunity to complete the reconstruction of a portion of County G past the bridge at the same time.

Detours are posted through the course of the project, with those using County G during construction having to go through Mercer to get to the other side of the work zone.

"To get to the back end of G; you're going to have to go to Mercer - to County J, to County H, and that will take you to County G," Swartz said.