Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislators’ tentative budget deal will provide another cash infusion to the South Bridge Connector road construction project.
State Sen. Jamie Wall on July 1 announced the proposed budget includes $30 million to construct a new railroad bridge over one segment of the new South Bridge route through De Pere.
The new railroad bridge will mean the 25,000 vehicles per day expected to travel the South Bridge route through Lawrence, De Pere and Ledgeview will not have to stop for trains. The state funding for the rail bridge also will reduce the amount De Pere and Brown County taxpayers’ have to fund to construct the new route.
“This is a big win not only for De Pere, but Brown County as a whole,” said Wall, D-Green Bay. He later added: “Separating those cars from those trains is going to have a big impact on public safety as well as the convenience of drivers and the speed at which they’ll be able to cross over the bridge.”
Here’s a closer look at what to know about the South Bridge project, this particular element of the project and how it will impact local municipalities’ $180 million share of the entire South Bridge road construction project.
What is the South Bridge Connector?
The community has for decades sought to develop a new road through southern Brown County that includes a new bridge across the Fox River.
The route under construction right now will start at Packerland Drive and Scheuring Road head west to a new Interstate 41 interchange, go through De Pere to the new bridge over the Fox River, and then connect with Brown County GV/Monroe Road. The connections mean the South Bridge route will have easy access to both I-41 and I-43, via Monroe Road.
The route aims to ease traffic congestion at the Claude Allouez Memorial Bridge in downtown De Pere, make it easier for companies to access the interstates and bolster economic development in Ledgeview, Lawrence and De Pere. The area’s Republican legislators also applauded the funding.
“Today’s budget committee action is a big win for commuters in our region,” state Rep. Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, said in a news release. “Whether you’re only visiting northeast Wisconsin or live here with your family, investing in our roads helps everyone get where they’re going safely, and keeps all of our communities better connected to one another.”
The full route is projected to be completed in 2030.
Is this a new rail bridge over the Fox River?
No, it does not go over the Fox River.
What does this money mean for motorists?
The bridge means drivers will not have to stop for trains on the South Bridge route
The new South Bridge road’s route will follow Southbridge Road and Red Maple Drive in the city of De Pere. Currently, there’s an at-grade railroad crossing which means when trains move through, vehicle traffic has to stop and wait.
Separating the rail bridge and new road will mean both trains and vehicle traffic can move through without having to worry about random delays for train crossings.
“Anyone who works in downtown Green Bay understands the value of not having to wait for trains,” said Jeff Flynt, Brown County deputy executive.
How much will the state money save De Pere and Brown County taxpayers?
The South Bridge is expected to cost the county, De Pere, Lawrence and Ledgeview $180 million to construct. The county has agreed to pay for about half those costs with the three municipalities coming up with the other $90 million based on the proportion of work in each municipality.
The $30 million from the state will be divided between Brown County and De Pere, as both governments will incur costs related to the road construction and rail bridge projects.
De Pere staff expect the city’s share of the South Bridge project will be about $28 million to $30 million. The city’s share of the $30 million for the railroad bridge could reduce the city’s share by 20%-35%, or $6 million to $10 million, depending on who incurs the costs related to the rail bridge’s design and construction.
How will this new railroad bridge be built?
The reconstruction of the rail bridge will likely impact rail traffic for about three days, said Brown County Highway Commissioner Chris Hardy. He said the county’s plans call for accelerated construction of the new bridge next to the existing rail line, which will remain in use.
The existing rail line will close for about three days for crews to remove the old structure and replace it, Hardy said.
This segment of the South Bridge, from Lawrence Drive to Lost Dauphin Road, is scheduled for construction from late 2027 through late 2029.
State funds now allocated for 3 parts of the South Bridge project
The state funding for the rail bridge means the state will help fund three key, costly elements of the county’s new South Bridge Connector route that will stretch from Monroe Road west to Packerland Drive.
Could these funds still be removed from the state budget?
Wall said the $30 million was included in the motion Republican legislators are expected to bring forth on July 1, which would go to the state Senate and Assembly for votes on July 2.
He said he expects the budget will pass with the rail bridge funding included.
Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffBollier.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: State budget includes $30 million for rail bridge portion of Southern Bridge road project
Reporting by Jeff Bollier, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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