GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) says it's “optimistic” the Mason Street Bridge in downtown Green Bay will be repaired by the end of the month.
BACKGROUND
- Mason St. Bridge closed due to mechanical issues
- Green Bay Metro Fire forced to 'make adjustments' with Mason Street Bridge stuck upright
The bridge has been stuck in the upright position since July 6.
"Our number one objective is safety," NE Region Maintenance Supervisor Scott Nelson said. "And ensuring it's safe for our motorists, marine traffic going through, and our workers trying to repair the bridge."
The root of the problem is caused by corrosion and bridge gears that were stuck “tooth-to-tooth,” but the DOT said in a news conference Thursday that there is no structural damage.
Here are the specifics on the Mason Street Bridge closure. pic.twitter.com/y1PUGoTMO2
— Ben Bokun (@ben_bokun) July 15, 2021
A mechanical failure needs to be fixed. WisDOT says the fix could cost half a million dollars.
The DOT reports there's a chance repairs could be finished sooner. But it's trying to keep workers safe throughout the tough process.
The DOT says it's been working with Green Bay first responders to get ambulances and police where they need to go in a timely manner.
"It's kind of like motorists have been doing for us here for the last week, some pre-trip planning," Nelson said. "And they just know that this is a route they can't use for those responses."
