Detour Plans for Bong Bridge Delayed

SUPERIOR (PRESS RELEASE) - The two year project to make improvements to US 2/Bong Bridge will begin, Monday, March 31.

However, after reviewing the contractor schedule the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has delayed the detour plans for westbound US 2 to minimize disruption to commuters and commercial traffic.

Beginning Monday, there will be single lane closures on both east and westbound US 2 over the Bong Bridge. The lane closures will be in effect until May 5.

“After working cooperatively with the contractor and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, we will implement the originally planned detour of westbound US 2 over the Blatnik Bridge on May 5,” said Project Manager Matt Dickenson. “We will still be able to accomplish the work that is scheduled to be completed this year, but reducing the time the westbound lanes are closed will make it more convenient for all motorists.”

Details of the work include: Bong Bridge work

• Overlay existing bridge deck and make necessary repairs to the sidewalk

• Replace and repair arch components and repaint

• Replace existing expansion joints and repaint girder ends

• Replace street lights and ship navigation lights Wisconsin approach

• Reconfigure the existing Belknap St. and US 2 intersection to a modern roundabout

• Add local access connection to US 2 for North Garfield Ave. (City Industrial Park)

• Bridge deck overlay of the Susquehanna overhead bridge

• Replace roadway lighting

• Replace existing concrete pavement

Construction began on the Bong Bridge in 1979 and opened to traffic on Oct. 25, 1984.

This is one of the most significant improvement project on the bridge since it opened.

It will help preserve the life of the structure for years to come.