Location
The project is on WIS 64 in the Chippewa County city of Cornell.
Overview
The paint on Chippewa River Bridge is deteriorating, which can lead to rusting and early failure of structural steel components. To address this and other issues, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is proposing:
- Completing spot painting of the tie girders - the beams on the side of the bridge
- Replacing guardrail at the east end of the bridge
- Replacing sidewalk at spot locations to accommodate new guardrail
In This Together
Knowing construction projects impact businesses, WisDOT created the In This Together program to help business owners navigate road construction.
Schedule
Construction currently is scheduled in 2030.
- Construction could be advanced to 2029 if funding becomes available.
- The project is anticipated to take two months to construct - pending favorable weather.
Traffic Impacts
During construction, traffic will be shifted across the bridge to maintain two lanes of traffic. In addition:
- Motorists will encounter periodic single-lane closures during work hours.
- Pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained.
Public Involvement
WisDOT is seeking public input on the proposed project. Please review the following for more information:
Comments are being accepted through Sept. 12, 2025, by:
Contacts
Bill Biesmann
WisDOT Northwest Region Consultant Project Manager
(608) 310-3286
Bill.Biesmann@klengineering.com
Nicole Passuello
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Supervisor
(715) 833-5572
nicole.passuello@dot.wi.gov
Christena T. O'Brien
WisDOT Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 828-9471
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Northwest Region, Eau Claire office
718 W. Clairemont Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-2891, (800) 991-5285
nwr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov