WisDOT closing McCleary Bridge

August 31, 2007

Inspection reveals unsound material in bridge footing of one pier

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is closing the McCleary Bridge, located on Marathon County N in the town of Rib Mountain and the city of Wausau, today (August 31). The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

A local detour will be established as soon as possible.

"Post-construction inspection of the bridge revealed some concerns about three of the bridge piers. Further inspections identified issues with the footing of pier number one," explained Dan Grasser, WisDOT Regional Director. "WisDOT's first priority is to ensure the integrity of our highways and bridges and the safety of the traveling public so we've made the decision to close the bridge."

Pheiffer Brothers was the prime contractor for the McCleary bridge construction completed in June 2005 at a cost of approximately $9.2 million.

"It is the responsibility of the contractor to make the repairs as required by the contract and it is our expectation that they will move as rapidly as practical to make the needed repairs to ensure the long-term integrity of the bridge, " Grasser said.

The McCleary Bridge is part of the local transportation system developed in conjunction with the US 51/WIS 29 project.

For more information, contact:
Kristin McHugh, Regional Communications Manager
(715) 421-8380 or (715) 451-0880 (cell)