End of Cobban Bridge here
Equipment was moved into place the end of July, for slated dismantling of the historic Cobban Bridge. The bridge has been closed for several years, after it was deemed unsafe to travel. Submitted Photo
The end of an era has truly come, as the Cobban Bridge over the Chippewa River, is set for dismantling. To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers signed a $4.7 million contract, with Sheet Piling Services, of Custer, for the replacement of the structure on County Hwy. TT, between State Hwy. 178 and County Hwy. K, in Chippewa County.
Construction is scheduled to start Monday, Aug. 8. Built in 1908, the Cobban Bridge was later dismantled, moved and reconstructed at its present location, between Cornell and Jim Falls, in 1918-19. The structure has reached the end of its service life and was closed to traffic in 2017.
The project includes removing the existing structure; creating a temporary road to access the water; erecting a fivespan concrete bridge; building a retaining wall under the west side of the new structure; and replacing asphalt roadway approaches on County TT, as well as storm sewer, curb and gutter, barrier wall, signing and pavement marking.
During construction, County TT, including the bridge, will remain closed to traffic. The shoulder and turn lane on 178 at County TT, also will be closed.
In addition, flagging operations might be used to complete work on State Hwy. 178 on the west side of the project and County K on the east side of the project.
A navigational channel will be marked for water traffic on the Chippewa River. This channel might shift during construction, as work operations change.
The Old Abe State Trail will remain open at all times. Construction is scheduled for completion in October 2023. The bridge project is funded by the state and Chippewa County, while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is administering the contract.
Work will be completed in a closed site and motorists will not be allowed to park along State Hwy. 178 to view construction.
For updates on the construction site, visit projects.511wi. gov/cobban.
