website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Main Street Bridge
The Cole Memorial Bridge
THIS FILE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The
1931 John W. Cole Memorial Bridge replaced an 1881 iron bridge constructed
after an early wooden bridge was damaged by ice jams at the time of high water.
The
single arch span concrete bridge was built with funds from the J. W. Cole
estate, as a tribute to the prominent early resident, merchant, and Watertown
Public Library benefactor.
The
bridge was built by Cunningham Brothers of Beloit and designed by Daniel Luten,
master bridge builder and engineer based in Indianapolis, who also designed the
1930 Milwaukee Street bridge, downstream from this crossing of the Rock River.
Click
to enlarge Main Street
Bridge, 1898
WHS_005_601
THE FIRST MAIN STREET BRIDGE ACROSS THE ROCK RIVER was
erected in 1844 and was replaced several times.
___ 1847 __________________
12 22 THE
BRIDGE IS OLD AND UNSAFE
We have
been requested to call the attention of our citizens to the necessity of taking
some steps for the erection of a new bridge in place of the present one at this
place. The bridge is old and unsafe – it
has been strained and weakened repeatedly by the element in which is rests; and
it is more than probable that the high water of another spring will sweep it
away. Now is the time to prepare for a
new bridge, while the ice affords a safe means of crossing the river, the old
one should be torn away and a new and substantial one erected. If it is done during the winter, no
inconvenience will be occasioned; but it it is left until spring, the business
of our town will be materially affected by the inconvenience which the building
of a new bridge must necessarily create at that season. Rock
River Pilot
___ 1856 __________________
02 21 LAYING GAS PIPE UNDER MAIN STREET BRIDGE
The Gas Company is
laying the main pipe under the bridge in order to cross the river and form a
connection with Main Street and West Avenue.
So severe and steady has been the cold of the past few weeks, that is
has been impossible to do anything towards completing the Gas Works. All the iron is now here, and a large number
of skillful and experienced mechanics are waiting to improve the first
opportunity that occurs to resume operations and complete the works as soon as
it is practical to do so. WD
05 01 NEW BRIDGE PROPOSED
On
motion of Heber Smith, it was resolved that the new Main Street bridge proposed
to be built over Rock river shall be sixty-six feet broad, with foot-walks
twelve feet wide on each side. WD
09 25 CROSS
BRIDGE WITH CAUTION
Great
caution should be used in crossing Main Street bridge at all times, especially
in the night. It is well known that a
part of it has been taken down, and large opening left through which people may
fall. Some accidents have already
happened, fortunately none of a fatal nature. Until the old bridge is entirely
superseded by the new, no one should attempt to cross the river when barriers
are placed across the road as a warning that the bridge is not passable. The stone piers of the new Main Street Bridge
are now being laid. They appear to be
solid and durable specimens of masonry. We have no doubt that they will last as long
as they are wanted. WD
12 11 BRIDGE
BEING COMPLETED
The
work on Main Street bridge is progressing
more rapidly now. The last set of
arches is being put in, and a passage track has been laid, making crossing far
more safe and easy. We are told that
there is to be no unnecessary delay in the completion of this important
structure. The public inconvenience
occasioned by the interruption of a highway so constantly used as this is has
been very serious. WD
NOTE: HENRY STEGER was city engineer and responsible
for construction of the Main St. bridge [1856].
___ 1858 __________________
09 23 FINE FOR DRIVING OVER BRIDGE FASTER THAN A WALK
A NEGLECTED ORDINANCE—There is one city ordinance which seems to be so
entirely forgotten as to be generally disregarded, but which should be rigidly
and impartially enforced. There is a
fine for driving over Main Street bridge faster than a walk, and yet every day
teams are rushed over that structure on a full run. No bridge built of wood can long stand such
usage, and must be damaged by allowing this constant use of it. We hope the Marshal will direct his attention
to this violation of a plain law, and promptly bring every offender before the
Police Justice, and see that he gets his dues.
One or two examples will be a wholesome warning. WD
09 30 A RACE COURSE
Though not very long, yet it [the Main St. bridge] is so smooth and
wide, that travelers cannot resist the temptation of commencing a run or a trot
the moment they come in sight of it—or they rush at full speed, jarring and
shaking every timber and plank in the structure. The city authorities should put an immediate
stop to this practice by taking up and fining every individual who makes
himself liable to action. It is not of much
use to talk about this matter, but a few arrests will be likely to furnish a
warning that will be heeded. WD
Cross reference note:
See two 1886 images below, noting signage for speed
11 11 ORDINANCE RELATING TO RACING HORSE TEAMS OVER BRIDGE
Notice is hereby given that the ordinance
relating to driving teams over Main Street bridge at a rate of speed faster
than a walk, will be strictly enforced.
All who render themselves liable and are convicted of violating the
ordinance will be subjected to its penalty.
H. Bertram, Mayor WD
___ 1859 __________________
03 31 HOME
EATING SALOON
The
Home is the name of a new Eating Saloon which is about to be opened by Major
Bernhard Miller, whose old friends will remember the taste and care with which
he has been accustomed to provide all good things for his customers. His rooms are nearly fitted up in the
building on the north side of Main Street bridge and will be found a pleasant
place of resort.
Miller,
at his News Room in the Post Office, has received the Atlantic for April, which is a most delightful and brilliant
number; Harpers, beautifully
illustrated and filled with a hundred rich things; and the Great Republic contains a vast amount of choice and instructive
reading—many of the articles set off with a variety of finely executed cuts.
Cross
references:
Miller, Bernard
Forty-Eighters:
Builders of Watertown, pg 17
1858, Billiard table violation
Forty-Eighter, operated saloon, cigar
wholesaler, had a flouring mill
09 01 BRIDGE
ONCE MORE A SAFE STRUCTURE
Main
Street Bridge is now being thoroughly repaired and when finished will be once
more a safe structure for teams and wagons to pass over without danger of
having planks fly up and tip over carriages or frighten horses. To get the first cost out of that institution
we must use it fast and use it much. As
there is no reason to believe that posterity will ever do anything for it, so
there is just as little reason to suppose posterity will ever have the use of
it. That makes it all even and right. WD
09 08 F.
WERNER BATHING ROOMS
The
subscriber has just fitted up in the most convenient manner a suit of Bathing Rooms, under his Barber Salon, on the north side of Main Street Bridge, which are now open. Those who wish to regularly indulge in this
most healthful exercise will find every comfort and convenience to enable them
to do so. Shaving and Hair Dressing done
in the Salon above in the most neat, prompt and fashionable manner. F. WERNER
WD
[1870, Werner bldg (with canopy,
north side of bridge, washed away in 1881 flood]
09 08 A. Trank, for
repairing Main Street Bridge, $4.00 [Common Council] WD
___ 1860 __________________
01 26 ORDINANCE AGAINST FAST DRIVING ACROSS BRIDGE
As our city readers well know and as some of
them have found out to their cost, there is an ordinance against fast driving
across the bridges spanning Rock River and a fine imposed for its
violation. For a long time, however, no
attention was paid to it, and it was an every day, if not hourly, occurrence to
see nags trotting over the Main Street bridge at a 2:40 gate. It finally became such a grievance that the
City Marshal gave public notice that after a certain date the law would be
enforced, since which time Police Justice Hadley has frequently had occasion to
restrain the fast horse propensities of several of our citizens by inflicting
on them a slight fine, which it was thought would have a tendency to fix upon
their minds indelibly the fact that we have laws and that they cannot be
outraged with impunity.
The Marshal was promptly on hand at all times
ready to arrest any one offending against his manifesto, and so was his
Deputy. They would not suffer the
dignity of the law, the city and themselves to be trampled underfoot,
particularly by horses traveling faster than a walk. And in this they were right. All concede that the majesty of the law
should be maintained at all hazards.
But, as the old saying says, “it is a long
lane that has no turns.” The Deputy
Marshal is unfortunately given to fast driving himself and on one occasion, not
long since, was seen to commit the very same offence that he had been
instrumental in having others punished for, at so many different times. A complaint was duly entered against him
therefore, and Justice Hadley, as in duty bound, dealt out with an unsparing
hand to the offending officer the same measure that, at his instigation, had so
frequently been meted out to others.
Public opinion has pronounced her verdict of “served him right” and the
Deputy
aforesaid is bound to concur, being a firm believer in the doctrine that “what
is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” WD
07 12 WERNER’S BATHING & BARBER SHOP
Werner’s Bathing Establishment & Barber Shop—The subscriber
has just fitted up in the most convenient manner a suit [suite] of bathing
rooms under his barber saloon, on the north side of Main Street Bridge, which
are now open for the reception of visitors.
Those who wish to regularly indulge in this most healthful exercise will
find every comfort and convenience to enable them to do so. Shaving and hair dressing done in the saloon
above, in the most neat, prompt and fashionable manner. WD
___ 1864 __________________
08 04 COVERED
WITH PINE PLANK
Main Street bridge is
now being newly covered over with heavy and thick pine plank – an improvement
much needed. When the work is completed
the bridge will again be in first rate condition for travelling. WD
___ 1865 __________________
04 06 REPLANKING SIDEWALKS
Alderman Moak, Chairman of the
Committee on Streets and Bridges, reported to allow the accounts of A.
Bornschein, $105 for repairing Cady Street bridge, $15.75 for replanking
sidewalks on Main Street bridge. Clerk directed
to issue orders for the amounts on the city general fund. Common Council Proceedings. WD
___ 1867 __________________
BIRDSEYE VIEW
___ 1872 __________________
12 04 NEW
MAIN STREET BRIDGE TO BE ERECTED
The propriety has been suggested
to us of building a bridge across the river at Cady Street, for the use of the
city while the new Main Street bridge is being erected. In building a bridge at the point mentioned
it was thought the city might get consider able assistance from individual
sources that could not be obtained if this site was not selected. During the winter would be a good time to get
the piers down. Watertown Republican, 12 04 1872 [Cady St bridge constructed in 1874-75]
___ 1878 __________________
06 19 NEW
PLANK COVERING
Main
Street bridge is receiving a covering of new plank, under the supervision of N.
Nettleton, the contractor. This is a
much-needed improvement. WD or
WR
MAIN STREET BRIDGE, DESTRUCTION OF, 1881 FLOOD
Werner Barber Salon (Shaving and Hair
Dressing) and Bathing Rooms at the NW corner of the wooden bridge
Following
epic snow, portion washed out by ice flows during flood of 1881
View of damaged bridge, Phoenix engine house, bell-tower, distant right
04 07 MAIN STREET BRIDGE HAS BEEN PARTLY
CARRIED AWAY
The
ice, high water and swindling contractors were more than she could stand. WD
04 20 POORLY
CONSTRUCTED TO BEGIN WITH
[same
date] A Poor Thing. Now that Main Street
bridge has been laid open to inspection by the disaster that befell it last
night, there is scarcely any one who looks at it but what is thoroughly
disgusted with its manner of construction.
It was evidently never built with a view to beauty, strength or
durability as shown by the lightness of the timbers and the bungling
workmanship displayed in its erection.
We hope there is a determination to have it replaced by a more
substantial and handsome structure. WR
-- -- WERNER BLDG ON BRIDGE WASHED AWAY IN
1881 FLOOD
04 27 At the regular meeting of the Board of
Street Commissioners held Monday evening, the following resolution introduced
by Commissioner Voss, was adopted: Resolved,
That it is the sense of the Board that an Iron bridge be built across the Rock
river, connecting Main Street with West
Avenue, and that the Committee on Streets and Bridges present a plan at the
next regular meeting of this Board, embodying the following principles, to
wit: That the bridge be shortened 35
feet on each end, and new abutments be built for a bridge of 36 feet wide, and
also a pier, in the middle, the whole to be covered by an Iron arch bridge of 2
spans, of 66 feet each.
Ought
not our good city fathers to go a little slow on their project as contemplated
by the above resolution? To properly
carry out these plans for an iron gm bridge would involve an expenditure of
from $12,000 to $16,000. In view of the additional expenditures that must be
made to put other bridges within the city limits in order, would it be wise in
us to go to such a great expense at this time in building a bridge at Main
Street? We believe a calm survey of the
field would dictate that such an outlay as is outlined in the resolution would
be both unwise and uncalled for under our present circumstances, and we do not
hesitate to affirm that our taxpayers generally take this view of the
matter. The present Main Street bridge
can be restored to as good condition as before for an outlay of not more than
$800. Under ordinary circumstances it
would be then be good for ten years more.
By that time, perhaps, we would be better able to afford the luxury of a
handsome iron bridge. Besides all this,
shall business suffer and languish waiting perhaps five months for completion
of an iron structure. WR
05 04 At a special meeting of the Board of
Street Commissioners, held last evening, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved,
That the Committee of Streets and Bridges is hereby directed and authorized to
build a wagon bridge across Rock river connecting the two extreme bents[?] now
standing of Main Street by a bridge not to exceed sixteen feet in width, and to
use as much of the old timbers of Main Street bridge as are available.
We do
not think our community stands ready to endorse the action of the Board as
embodied in the above resolution. It is
calculated that the temporary bridge will involve an outlay of about $300. Three times this amount will restore Main
Street bridge to its former condition for travel, a small sum compared with
what an iron bridge will cost such as the Board are evidently aiming at
erecting. In our present situation the
former conditions of things in the bridge line is good enough. Let us repair Main Street bridge and bide our
time for a better one. The city will be
well repaid for waiting a few years before building an iron bridge. Just now war prices have to be paid for iron
bridges, owing to the great demand, and we have no doubt that by waiting even
one year thousands of dollars could be saved in the matter. The restoration of Main Street is what is
demanded at this time - anything done on a mere temporary character will be
simply throwing so much money away. The
Street Commissioners should see the matter in this light. WR
05 12 The watery chasm between the east and
west sides of the river on Main Street is being bridged by a temporary
structure. An iron bridge will supersede
it as soon as possible. So say the
powers that be. There is a vast
difference between work done under contract and the same work done by the
day. We have reference to Main Street
bridge -- what is left of the old, and what is now being done on the temporary
structure. Kind reader, do not judge
harshly. WD
05 19 The public meeting, called to instruct
the Board of Commissioners in regard to the Bridges, we are informed, was not
an entire success. A resolution to leave
the matter in the hands of the proper authorities was unanimously adopted,
after which the crowd adjourned itself rather unceremoniously, and without
delay. WD
05 26 The Proceeding of
the Bd. of St. Comm: A proposal from the
Wrought Iron Bridge Co., Canton, Ohio, for building an iron bridge on Main
Street was read and on motion placed on file with the other proposals already
received. On motion from Com. Voss a
matter of considering the building of Main street bridge was made a special
order for a meeting to be held next Monday, May 30th at 8 o'clock PM. WD
-- -- REPAIR
OF MAIN STREET BRIDGE
06 30 We will wager a new hat that the proposed
piers for Main Street bridge will not be as good and durable as the ones it is
supposed to pull down. "Length of
piers to be 34 feet, with ice-breakers extended 6 feet at the base, and the
same to be carried to a height of 12 feet from bottom of river at an angle of
45 degrees.” Now let us know the length
of the wall above icebreaker with an angle of 45 degrees taken out to a height
of 12 feet.
Did
any member of Street Commissioners know that Herman Bentert Co.
could not furnish stone 18 inches thick.
Perhaps not.
Shakespeare
said: "Damned be he who moves these bones." We say, wicked is he who pulls down those
walls. We have reference to the Main
street bridge piers.
Why
have the icebreakers only 12 feet in height, when the water was much higher
than that when the ice went out this Spring?
WD
07 29 The erection of a bridge connecting Main
Street with West Avenue has finally been settled upon. This morning, the Board of Street
Commissioners closed a contract with J. A. Burnham, agent for the King Iron
Bridge Company, of Cleveland, for a plate girder bridge composed of 3 spans
each 66 feet long and 36 feet wide, costing $8,360. The piers and abutments of old Main Street
bridge will be used. Some additional
stone work to be built on top. We
believe this settles the bridge question a manner satisfactory to our citizens
generally.
08 11 "THE BRIDGE”
Last
Monday evening there was a special meeting of the Board of Street Commissioners
for the purpose of finding out how to build Main Street bridge. The commissioners were all present and Com.
Rohr occupied the chair. The Committee
on Streets and Bridges asked for a little time to prepare the report; they
having been so busy for a few days past that they did not have time to write it
out. Allowed.
The
same committee made their report after some remarks by Com. Voss. The clerk then read the plans and
specifications for building the bridge.
The plans drawn up by Com. Voss.
An informal recess was taken (a very common occurrence for the
Board). Though the recess was ordered
for only five minutes, it extended into half an hour. Finally the chairman called the board to
order, and on motion of Com. Becker the report of the committee was adopted,
but on motion of Com. Becker the report of the committee was adopted, but
afterward amended by appointing a Supt. to oversee the work of the
business. Com. Zautner, who was
determined to make an orator of himself, whether nature or education intended
him to be so, moved that the Supt. be appointed to inspect and "boss” the
bridge. A good deal of wrangling
occurred between different members of the board in regard to the quality and
cost of the stone already furnished by Baxter, and some of the members got
their "back up”, as the saying is, and finally the whole matter of
building the bridge was left to the Committee on Streets and Bridges. It was generally understood that a Supt. was
to be appointed, but Com. Becker thought it would be better to have said Supt.
under the supervision of the Committee on Streets and Bridges, and made a
motion accordingly, which was carried.
More talk took place in regard to the powers of the Supt. and wound up
in —wind. Finally the board appointed
Henry Jaeger superintendent of the bridge.
Com. Baxter at the "eleventh hour" presented an account for
$70 for services on Main Street bridge, which was referred to the Committee on
Streets and Bridges.
There
is now every probability that the bridge will be built before the next
centennial celebration, which by the way the matter has been handled lately
there was some doubt. WD
10 26 FALLING
OF A DERRICK
An
accident that only through a miracle was not accompanied by a great fatality
occurred last Thursday afternoon on Main Street bridge, directly in front of
Hawkin's building. The heavy derrick
that is in use of the erection of the new bridge, while being moved to the end
of the bridge fell over and came down with a tremendous crash, escaping the
front of Hawkin's store only by a few inches, but in its descent struck Mrs. B.
H. Robinson, of Brookfield, whose husband is temporarily employed at the
Milwaukee and St. Paul carpenter shop at the Junction. Fortunately for Mrs. Robinson the wooden
railing broke the fall of the derrick or she would have been instantly crushed
to death . As it was, Mrs. Robinson received a terrible blow on the shoulder
and head and one of the spikes struck her under the arm inflicting an ugly
wound. Mrs. Fred Spink, who was with
Mrs. Robinson at the time, had one of her knees badly peeled by one of the large
ropes that struck her. Mrs. Robinson was
conveyed to her home at the Junction and received prompt medical
attention. Her wounds, although very
serious, are not necessarily fatal, but even under the most favorable
circumstance it will take some weeks before she can get up from her bed. Taking into consideration the number of
people passing and repassing while the derrick is at work, it is great wonder
that the accident was not more serious in its results. WR
-- -- THE
NEW 1881 BRIDGE
___ 1885 __________________
BIRDSEYE VIEW
___ 1886 __________________
Cross
reference note: See 1858 section regarding
speeding on bridge
___ 1889 __________________
12 06 WIDENING BRIDGE PROPOSED
The
Board of Street Commissioners are considering the question of widening Main
Street bridge. It would greatly improve
the appearance of that prominent thoroughfare and can be widened 12 feet for
about $1300. We believe most of the
people having property on Main Street favor its widening, and it is an
improvement that a great many of our citizens desire. WG
12 11 WIDENING BRIDGE ABANDONED / SHORTENING OF
PROPOSED
The
plan talked up to some extent of widening and improving Main Street bridge has
been given up for the present, at least.
There is now some idea, in the near future, of filling in some
twenty-five feet at both ends of the bridge, thus lessening the length fifty
feet, and then either repair the present structure to conform with the change,
or build a new bridge. WR
12 11 WIDENING MAIN STREET BRIDGE
[same
date] There seems to be a general
expression among those whose attention has been called to the subject in favor
of widening Main Street bridge, giving a wider and better roadway and making it
much safer and pleasanter for pedestrians than at present. The estimate of the expense places it at
$1,300. WR
___ 1890 __________________
06 06 REMODELING AND WIDENING BRIDGE
The Board of Street
Commissioners at its last meeting awarded the contract for putting in a new
iron bridge in place of the old Boughton bridge to the Milwaukee Bridge and
Iron works for $4,577, and the contract for remodeling and widening Main
Street bridge to the E. Kunert Manufacturing Co. of this city for $4,500
with an additional cost of $1.00 per foot for hand railing. We are pleased to see that a Watertown
institution has secured one of these contracts, and hope the day is not far
distant when all work of this kind wanted in this city and vicinity will be
manufactured here. WG
08 27 IRON WORK DELIVERED
Part of the iron work
for Main Street bridge is on the ground and it is hoped the repairs will now
move forward rapidly.
09 24 REMODELING AND WIDENING
COMPLETED
PLANKING
REPLACED WITH BLOCK PAVEMENT
The work
of repairing and widening Main Street bridge is completed and the structure is
ready for travel. The block pavement is
a fine and substantial improvement, one that will prove much cheaper in the end
than the old method of planking. WR
___ 1898 __________________
07 04 FARMER’S PICNIC, FOURTH OF JULY, 1898
Main
Street bridge, view from, to the south, Image of, WHS_006_387
___ 1899 __________________
04 12 NAG
WON’T CROSS BRIDGE
Two
good-looking young fellows came to town yesterday to dispose of a little
900-pound "nag." But
unfortunately they came into town on the west side of the river, and the
"nag" drew the line at Main Street bridge. They commenced quite early in the morning,
and at 10 o'clock had only succeeded in getting the little animal over the east
end of the bridge. This was accomplished
by pushing pulling and much coaxing. The
young fellows worked faithfully to accomplish their object, and in good-natured
patience and perseverance, proved themselves veritable heroes. WR
___ 1904 __________________
PETERS
SHANTY WENT OUT WITH FLOOD IN 1904
Peters Shanty on middle of bridge
went out with flood, ice jam.
WHS_002_PC_370
___ 1906 __________________
02 29 BRIDGE ASSESSED FOR INTERURBAN TRAFFIC
Al
Kraft, chief engineer of the Milwaukee Electric
Railroad, and Light Co. with his force has for the past few days been
examining and testing the Main Street bridge for the purpose of ascertaining
its strength and the probability of its being strong enough to hold fifty tons,
which would be the maximum weight it would have to sustain when the trolley
line was in operation and the cars passing to and fro over the structure. WL
___ 1908 __________________
08 28 First electric car crossed Main Street bridge. WG
09 11 Rebuilding of bridge completed WG
___ 1928 __________________
5 02 COUNCIL WRANGLES OVER MAIN STREET BRIDGE NAME
Some
members say new bridge was to be built and named after Mr. Cole, and if not
done, city has gone back on it's word; Mayor says the city is not obligated to
do this.
05 05 MAYOR DENIES NEW BRIDGE AGREEMENT
Cites
Communication of John W. Cole Heir.
Answers charges of city's honor being at stake.
___ 1931 __________________
05 27 RIVER LOWERED DURING BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Application of
Cunningham Brothers for authority to lower river
water level.
06 09 TIMBERS
PILED IN FRONT OF KUSEL’S ON WEST MAIN
Link to set of demolition images
06 24 ONE
KILLED, ONE HURT CONSTRUCTING NEW BRIDGE
One man was killed and another was injured in
an accident on the Main Street bridge construction job today when a heavy steel
and concrete post which held up the sidewalk in front of the Wisconsin National
Bank building collapsed and struck the two men who were working on the riverbed
below.
The dead man is August Gauerke, aged 48 years,
who resided at 209 N. Water Street and the injured man is August Frey, 35, who
resides at 1000 N. Water Street.
The accident occurred shortly after 11 o'clock
while the two men were working with a group of other men. The post fell almost without warning,
striking Mr. Gauerke on the back. He
died instantly. Mr. Frey suffered a
crushed foot and injury to his shoulder and was removed to St. Mary's Hospital.
The body of Mr. Gauerke was taken up from the
riverbed this noon while a group of several hundred persons who were attracted
to the scene gathered around the place.
Mr. Gauerke is survived by his wife and 4
children, the youngest 10 years old. His
wife was formerly Louise Strege. The
children are Mrs. Carl Biefeld, Mrs. Carl Wiese, Raymond and Erwin, all of this
city.
06 25 DEATH INQUEST SET FOR JULY 1
06 27 BRIDGE ACCIDENT VICTIM SHOWING SLOW
IMPROVEMENT
07 01 JURY HOLDS DEATH IN BRIDGE MISHAP WAS
ACCIDENTAL
07 27 DEMOLITION OF MAIN STREET 1881 BRIDGE
MAIN
STREET BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Form for arch span; later below street
level.
click to enlarge
07 27
& 31 WATER SPRINGS ALONG MAIN ST, NEAR BRIDGE
While
excavating in the river at the east approach of Main Street bridge
workmen uncovered a spring at a depth of about 15 feet which old timers will remember
was once an artesian well directly in front of Salick's jewelry store. In fact, there were several such wells along
Main Street in the early days, but were abandoned many years ago. A section of lead pipe was also uncovered at
the same depth but what it was used for no one seems to know.
There were several flowing wells on Main Street in
the early days. One was at Salick's, one
at Main & Second Streets at the Beurhaus corner, and another, if memory
serves right, at Gamm's corner. Besides
these there are two on the first block of W. Main Street and at least two on
First Street, at the Bennett Foundry and at the Mendenhall residence. In fact, there were many flowing wells in the
city, one of which, a magnetic water well, was located at the Junction.
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BRIDGE INVENTORY NOTE
The Cole Memorial Bridge was built in 1931 by
Cunningham Brothers with a design by master bridge engineer Daniel Luten. Luten received the contract working for a
percentage of the contractor's fee.
In the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
historic highway bridges inventory form for the Cole Memorial Bridge, the
bridge is described as follows: (Hess and Frame 1986) (Architectural and
Historical Intensive Survey Report, 1986-1987).
The Cole Memorial Bridge is a single span,
open spandrel, reinforced concrete rib-arch bridge. Overall structure length is 197 feet. Overall structure width is 62 feet. The span is 103 feet with a 12.67-foot
rise. Spandrel columns support the deck
above the four ribbed arches. Cross
beams on the columns are cantilevered out to support sidewalks. The design was the work of noted
reinforced-concrete engineer Daniel B. Luten (1869-1946), albeit at the very
end of his career as a consulting engineer (he became a manufacturer in
1932). It does not appear to have novel
engineering features. Neoclassical
styling appears in the balustrade railing.
The bridge is tightly lodged between buildings on each end--excellent
design integrity, which the city intends to maintain in the future, and
represents a commonly built type of urban neoclassical concrete-arch bridge.
10 15 MAIN STREET BRIDGE TO BE DEDICATED ON THE 16th
When
Watertown’s new Main Street bridge is dedicated to John W. Cole as a memorial
Friday night, October 16, the city will have not only one of the strongest
spans ever built, but one of the most unique in this section of the country. It is the only bridge, in the experience of its designer, Lee E.
Williams, that has one of its abutments under a building. The abutment in question is under the Masonic
Temple building.
Three
highway systems cross the bridge - state highways number 19 and 26 and United
States highway 16.
Some
interesting facts concerning the bridge were given out today. For instance, the bridge weighs a total of
5,225,000 pounds. It has in it 20 miles
of steel, the total number of pieces is 7,000.
If all the steel that went into its construction were converted into No.
18 gauge wire it would reach one and one fifth times around the earth. A total of 1,200 yards of concrete went into
its contraction. The parts from the old
bridge, which went into the new span, weigh approximately 60 tons.
The
bridge is known as a four-ring open spandrel with girder approaches. The plan was submitted by Mr. Williams,
representative at the time of the Luten engineering enterprises [1],
Indianapolis, Ind., one of the world's largest bridge engineering concerns.
Arch Not
Perfect
People
have been calling attention to the fact and some seem to think that an error
has been made. Mr. Williams said it was
designed that way. The reason is simple,
he said. The east end of the bridge is 1
one foot and eight inches lower than the west end, due to the difference in the
level of Main Street, and West Main Street.
The arch underneath is perfect, but nothing else above it is a perfect
arch. The railing on the bridge is not
perfectly arched, because it has to conform to the top of the bridge, which in
turn conforms with the difference in the two street levels.
The
bridge is 200 feet long, has a 42-foot runway and two nine-foot sidewalks. The bridge goes four feet into solid
rock. It is a 100-ton type bridge and a
25-ton load in crossing it would be less than one percent of the weight of the
bridge. This fact ensures its absolute
safety and. wearing duality.
Built by
Cunningham
The
bridge was erected at a contract price of $33,981 by Cunningham Bros. of
Beloit. Of this amount about $18,000
remained in the city as payroll. Much of
the balance also went to Watertown firms for material. The Otto
Biefeld Co.
provided the steel, George G. Lehmann did the concrete work and Ed. L. Bartlett
furnished the cement. The lumber was
secured through the Hutson-Braun, the West Side and the Gateway Lumber
companies. Arthur J. Ruesch,
electrician, was placed in charge of the wiring for the eight light standards
that adorn the new bridge.
The cost
of the bridge is to be borne by the city, the state and Jefferson county. The city's share will come from the $10,000
fund set aside for a new bridge by
T.M.E.R.&Co. at the time of the street car track removal settlement with
the city. The county and state share will be handled
under the terms of a bill passed by the legislature and approved by Gov. Philip
P. La Follette. This bill was introduced
by Don V. Smith, assemblyman from this district.
The
bridge replaced the former span, which was erected 50 years ago.
[1] Daniel B. Luten of Indianapolis, Indiana,
began patenting reinforced concrete bridge designs in 1899, and his national
network of companies, established after 1905, was important to the
popularization of reinforced concrete bridges throughout the United States. The
Luten Bridge Company of York was founded about 1909 by John and Alexander
Whittaker who worked under a licensing agreement with Luten. The company sought
bridge building contracts around the world.
Luten was one of the nation's most important civil engineers. A former Purdue engineering professor, he
held more patents than anyone else for the use of reinforced concrete. By 1920,
his Indianapolis firm had designed or built more than 17,000 bridges worldwide. Luten was part of a new generation of
professionals, applying invention in terms of concrete design to make it
efficient and economical.
10 16 MAIN STREET BRIDGE DEDICATED
MEMORIAL TO WATERTOWN PIONEER JOHN W.
COLE
Milwaukee Journal photo
The October 16, 1931 dedication of Watertown's
Main Street bridge, known as the Cole Memorial Bridge, was a festive occasion.
According to the historical record, “it
brought to the downtown section of the city one of the largest throngs of
people ever assembled in that area.”
Gov. Philip F. LaFollette came here to help
dedicate the span which cost $34,000 and over which three highways cross. Mayor Charles Lutovsky took part in the
ceremonies. Milwaukee newspapers sent
reporters and photographers to Watertown to cover the event.
The bridge was constructed by Cunningham Bros,
of Beloit. The
Otto Biefeld Co. provided the steel, George H. Lehmann did the concrete
work and Ed. L. Bartlett furnished the cement, while the Hutson-Braun Lumber
Co., the West Side Lumber Co., and the Gateway Lumber Co., provided other
materials. Arthur Ruesch was in charge
of the electrical wiring and Ben Johnson was the general superintendent.
The cost of the bridge was borne by the state,
Jefferson County and Watertown, the city taking its share from a fund of
$10,000 which had been paid the city under an agreement by which T.M.E.R. and L. Co., Milwaukee, was allowed to remove its
tracks and abandon its interurban service.
Don V. Smith, then Assemblyman from Jefferson County, sponsored the
necessary legislation providing for the payments by the state and county and
the bill was signed by Gov. LaFollette.
The 1931 bridge replaced one that had been
built 50 years earlier.
Lee E. Williams was the designer of the
bridge. At the time of its completion he
announced some facts about it. It weighs
a total of 5,225,000 pounds. It has in
it 20 miles of steel; the total number of pieces is 7,000. If all the steel that went into its
construction were converted into No. 18 gauge wire it would reach one and one
fifth times around the earth. A total
of 1,200 yards of concrete went into its construction. The parts from the old bridge which went into
the new span weigh approximately 60 tons.
Ben E. King was city engineer at the time of
its construction and helped supervise the work. Milwaukee
Journal article
Program and Parade
The program
the night of the dedication was as follows:
Selection / 105th Cavalry Band
Presentation of bridge on behalf of contractor
Acceptance of bridge on behalf of city
Mayor Charles Lutvosky / Formal opening and
cutting of ribbons
Selection / Star Spangled Banner, 105th
Cavalry Band
Address / Mayor Charles Lutovsky
Address / Gov. Philip F. LaFollette
Selections / Watertown City Band
A parade, arranged under the auspices of the
Watertown Business Men’s Association, predecessor to the Watertown Association
of Commerce, followed the dedication program.
The bridge was named after and dedicated to
John W. Cole, the city’s first merchant, who left a bequest under which the
city was able, among other things, to build the addition
to the Watertown Free Public Library which houses Cole Memorial Hall.
Merle and Walter Evanson of Oshkosh, who cut
the ribbons, formally opening the bridge, were the great-great-grandchildren of
Mr. Cole. This section derived from WDT article of 06 26
1954.
Cross
Reference Note:
August Gauerke, has killed by a piling during the construction of the
bridge in 1931.
___ 1937 __________________
08 28 BRIDGE
RAILING REPURPOSED
A
portion of the old Cady Street bridge railing,
which was salvaged when that structure was demolished, has been set up as a
rail on the west side of Main Street bridge.
It replaces a wooden railing which had been put there to fill in the gap
when the old shoe repair shop which was last occupied by George Keller was torn
down. The replacement improves the spot
and also provides a suitable safeguard.
The work was done by the city under the direction of the board of public
works.
Cross Reference Note: In 1935 Keller was
located at 105 W. Main, part of the 100 block of West Main that will be removed
in late 2019. The torn down Keller shop
mentioned must have been closer
to the bridge (101 or 103 W. Main).
___ 1964 __________________
HOMES MOVED ACROSS
Two homes moved from Kroger
property, East Main St, to lots on Milford St.
___ 1967 __________________
RECONSTRUCTION OF
___ 1981 __________________
MAIN STREET BRIDGE REPAIR PROJECT
___ 1983 __________________
08 08 EVELYN ROSE. Named “Evelyn A. Rose Bridge” WDT
___ 1984 __________________
08 06 DR. LOUIS W. NOWACK
Dr. Nowack,
longtime Watertown physician who currently serves as medical director of
Marquardt Memorial Manor, has been named winner of the downtown Main Street
bridge naming contest. Nowack was
nominated for his work in the community and the many hours of caring for
residents and employees at Marquardt, will receive the award in a ceremony at
8:15 tonight at the Riverside Park bandshell.
WDT
___ 1986 __________________
08 08 MYRA MACINNIS
Retired Watertown High School history teacher Myra MacInnis chosen to have her name given to the
Main Street bridge, nominated by Saturday Club. WDT
___ 1987 __________________
07 30 ROBERT LINERS
Main Street bridge will officially be named the Dr. Robert Liners
bridge, kicking off opening ceremonies of this year’s River Days and
sesquicentennial celebration. The
ceremony will take place at the Riverside Park band shell, the main stage of
the celebration, where the Milwaukee-based pop/rock group Gerard will highlight
the evening’s entertainment. Liners was
notified of the honor at about 3 o’clock Wednesday. “I’m in a state of shock, there’s no doubt
about it,” said Liners, who has practiced dentistry in Watertown since 1951. WDT
___ 1988 __________________
0812 JAMES AND CATHERINE QUIRK
Two members of a prominent Watertown family were
honored by having the downtown Main Street bridge named after them during
ceremonies at Riverfest Friday evening at Riverside Park. E. James
Quirk and Catherine Jean Quirk, members of the family that formerly owned Brandt, Inc., were selected
for the honor from a list of names submitted to the Watertown Clergy
Roundtable. The award was presented by
the Rev. T. Thomas Nustad of Christ United Methodist Church, president of the
clergy roundtable. WDT
___ 1990 __________________
08 05 MARY J. CONNOR
The Main Street bridge will be named the “Mary J.
Connor Bridge” through the next year.
Connor was presented with a plaque honoring her at the bridge naming
ceremony at RiverFest Sunday afternoon.
The presentation was made by Thomas Schultz, RiverFest chairman. Connor’s name will be permanently inscribed
on a plaque at the river walkway. Her
name will join the list of past recipients. WDT
___ 1992 __________________
08 09 DAN BRANDENSTEIN BRIDGE
The Main Street bridge will be named the Captain
Dan Brandenstein bridge for the next year, the Watertown Riverfest
Committee announced Sunday evening at the festival. Each year the bridge is
named after a resident or native of Watertown who has made a special
contribution to the community. Brandenstein, who is retiring after a long
military career that included 14 years as an astronaut and four space shuttle
flights, was selected from a list of names submitted for consideration. A
plaque honoring Brandenstein was given to his parents, Walter and Peg
Brandenstein, on the main stage of the festival Sunday evening. The award was
presented by Arthur Turke, a member of the Riverfest committee. Brandenstein’s
name will be placed on a permanent plaque at the southeast corner of the bridge
at the entrance to the Rock River Walkway. WDT
___ 1993 __________________
08 04 THE “REV. M. FRED HIMMERICH BRIDGE”
The Main Street bridge in downtown Watertown will be
known as the “Rev. M. Fred Himmerich Bridge” for the next year. Himmerich, pastor of St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church, was honored at a bridge naming ceremony at Riverfest Saturday evening
on the main stage. Each year the
Riverfest committee selects an individual for this honor who has been a leader
in the community through service activities. Himmerich was presented with his
award by Arthur Turke, a member of the Riverfest committee, and Thomas Schultz,
chairman. WDT
10 08 BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION COST
State transportation officials have agreed to pay
the entire cost of reconstructing the East Main Street bridge in 1994, a
project with an estimated cost of $1 million.
The Watertown Common Council will consider a resolution to authorize the
project Tuesday. The meeting will start
at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of the Watertown Municipal Building. Bids for the project will be accepted in
March of 1994 with construction starting in the spring. The cost of construction is estimated at
$900,000 with engineering and design work expected to cost an additional
$100,000. The existing bridge was built
in 1923.
___ 1994 __________________
08 10 THE “LARRY SCHULTZ BRIDGE”
The Main Street bridge in downtown Watertown will be
known as the “Larry Schultz Bridge” next year.
Schultz, a detective in the juvenile section of the Watertown Police Department, was honored at the
bridge naming ceremony Saturday noon as part of the Riverfest activities at
Riverside Park. Larry Schultz was
nominated by several school students and adults for the many projects he has
undertaken on behalf of the children in the community.
___ 1995 __________________
JOHN MODEL BRIDGE
___ 1996 __________________
BOBBY MAAS BRIDGE
___ 1998 __________________
LARRY MISTELE
08 08 Named “Lawrence J. Mistele
Bridge” WDT
___ 2004 __________________
JOE READY BRIDGE
Named “Joe Ready Bridge”
___ 2005 __________________
08 04 ART TURKE BRIDGE
Named “Arthur L.
Turke Bridge” Turke, who has contributed
decades of public service, was honored at Watertown’s Riverfest celebration
Saturday by having the Main Street bridge named after him for the next
year. He was presented with a plaque by
Thomas Schultz, Riverfest chairman, and will also have his name engraved on a
plaque at the Main Street bridge and the entrance to the Rock River
Walkway. The nominator also said, “All
who have worked with Art over these many years deeply appreciate his broad
knowledge, his sense of humor and his sincerity. His goal was and continues to be working to
make Watertown a better community.”
___ 2007 __________________
08 05 ORA KUCKKAN BRIDGE
Ora Kuckkan, a
tireless volunteer for community projects, was honored at Watertown’s Riverfest
celebration Saturday by having the Main Street bridge named after her for the
next year. Kuckkan received a plaque and
her name will be engraved on a plaque at the Main Street bridge and entrance of
the Rock River Walkway. “First of all,
at this point, I am very speechless,” Kuckkan said of the award.
___ 2008 __________________
08 06 ARCHIE LOEB BRIDGE
Archie Loeb, a well-known business man in
the Watertown community, was honored at Watertown's Riverfest celebration
Saturday by having the Main Street bridge named after him for the next
year. "His company, Loeb Industries,
along with Chickens Unlimited, has paid for the entire cost of the shuttle
buses for Riverfest, an undertaking that runs into the thousands of dollars
every year," Watertown Riverfest Chairman Tom Schultz said at the
presentation. Loeb received a plaque and
his name will be engraved on a plaque at the Main Street bridge and entrance of
the Rock River Walkway.
___ 2009 __________________
08 13 BOB LUECK BRIDGE
After years of organizing marching units, floats and bands to proceed
over the Main Street bridge, this coming year those units will be marching over
the Bob Lueck bridge, Watertown’s Fourth of July parade committee chairman for
the past 25 years. Lueck was honored at
Watertown’s Riverfest celebration by having the Main Street bridge named after
him for the next year. “Different people
nominating Bob for this honor were lavish in their praises for his work in many
community activities, most notably as the chairman of the Fourth of July parade
and Watertown Parade of Lights parade each Christmas season,” Watertown
Riverfest Chairman Tom Schultz said during the presentation.
___ 2013 __________________
08 12 RAMONA HACKBARTH BRIDGE
Longtime Watertown resident Ramona Hackbarth
was honored at this year’s Riverfest by having the Main Street bridge named
after her for the next year. Continuing
the tradition that started in 1982, Hackbarth will have her name engraved at
the Main Street bridge entrance of the Rock River Walkway. Ramona
Hackbarth has been involved with the Watertown Arts Council, downtown art walk
in May and Friends of Watertown Public Library where she is a past president
and board member. She is also active at
St. Henry Catholic Church. Ramona taught
and was a substitute teacher in the Watertown Unified School District for over
40 years. She plants a vegetable garden
on the south side of town and shares the fruits of her labors with her
neighbors and the firefighters at the municipal building.
Past
award winners are:
River Days
1982 William Connor
1983 Evelyn Rose
1984 Dr. Louis Nowack
1985 Raymond Dobbratz
1986 Myra Mclnnis
Riverfest
1987 Dr. Robert Liners
1988 E. James and Katherine J. Quirk
1989 Rolland Freitag
1990 Mary Connor
1991 Robert Krueger
1992 Daniel
Brandenstein
1993 Rev. M. Fred Himmerich
1994 Larry Schultz
1995 John Model
1996 Bobby Maas
1997 John Wanke
1998 Larry Mistele
1999 Richard Block
2000 Richard Minning
2001 Clarence Mess
2002 Dr. William “Bill” Ehlinger
2003 Chris Huhti
2004 Joe Ready
2005 Arthur Turke
2006 Ray Kubly
2007 Ora Kuckkan
2008 Archie Loeb
2009 Bob Lueck
2010 Kenneth Ceithamer
2012 John Schloemer
___ 2014 __________________
05 26 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE ON MAIN STREET BRIDGE/
Portfolio of WDTimes
images
-- -- JERRY PETERS,
Main Street bridge naming award
___ 2016 __________________
03 15 BRIDGE
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS PROJECT
Council
Proceedings of 03 15 2016: Review &
approve STH 19 (Main St.) - Rock River Bridge Structural Repairs Project
Contract #6-16. Assistant City Engineer Andrew Beyer and Engineering Technician
Jay Haberkorn were present to explain the bridge proposal. As part of the Downtown Redevelopment effort,
the City has determined that the Main Street Bridge needs some structural and
aesthetic repairs to bring the bridge up to the standards that we would like to
see downtown. An RFP was issued for
repair work on the bridge, which includes new sidewalks, repairing holes, work
on the railings and some work on the exterior side surfaces of the bridge. Two bids were received for the project. The bidders were NorCon Corporation and
Zenith Tech. There was a bid amount and
an alternate, to do some work on the outside surfaces of the bridge, which are
spalling and have exposed rebar in places.
The Finance Committee discussed this in great detail and it was decided
to do the base bid along with the alternate.
Motion was made by Alderperson Smith, seconded by Alderperson Larsen to
approve the base bid and the alternate, the low bidder being NorCon with a bid
of $295,970.90. The money to pay for
this will come from the funds in TIF #5 Account #09-58-05-28. Motion passed unanimously.
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS TO THE BRIDGE
The
bridge on Main Street bridge between Water and First streets will be closed to
vehicular and pedestrian traffic beginning Monday. This closure is expected to be for 45
calendar days due to the necessity of structural repairs to the bridge.
06 22 BAN
PARKING ON BRIDGE
Public
Safety & Welfare Committee. Review
& approve ordinance to amend parking on the Main Street (Cole) Bridge. An inspection of the Main Street Bridge,
performed by Ayres Associates, after the incident with the roto milling
machine, revealed additional deterioration of the structure. It is being recommended for the best interest
of safety, to remove parking on the bridge deck, as well as the
approaches. An ordinance will be
presented to eliminate this parking. The
report was received and placed on file.
07 20 NEW
PLAQUE, NAMING OF BRIDGE, 1982-2015
08 16 STEVE HEPP BRIDGE
The
final day of Watertown's 30th annual Riverfest celebration was capped off, in
part, with recognition of Steve Hepp for his contributions to the city with the
renaming of the Main Street bridge in his honor.
"Today
we continue a tradition of honoring an individual who has given much to the
community by having the Main Street bridge named in his or her honor for a
period of one year," Riverfest Chairman Tom Schultz said as he recognized
Hepp for his local contributions.
"But much more than that, he is a community-minded citizen who has
been involved and led countless activities.
He has served on the Watertown Transit Commission for eight years and
the Watertown Police and Fire Commission for 13 years. Steve is the person who
designed the Marine Corps League Aero Park at the airport property on Boomer
Street. He is a consummate fundraiser,
having played a key role in generating contributions for Aero Park, Watertown
Military Show, Fourth of July Parade, Christmas Parade, veterans programs, the
honor flights and the vets roll," Schultz said. "He is deeply
involved with the Marine Corps League, AMVETs, American Legion, VFW, Vietnam
Veterans of America, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Tavern League of Wisconsin,
Jefferson County Tavern League, B-Cause We Care, Fire and Iron, Embassy Marines
Association and Sea Going Marines Association."
Hepp
also designed a monument and secured a piece of the World Trade Center for a
9-11 memorial at the park, and is chairman of a Neighborhood Watch Awareness
program. Schultz said Hepp's two
businesses have sponsored, and been involved with, countless local sports teams
for decades. WDT
story
___ 2018 __________________
-- -- REV. TIM MUELLER, Main
Street bridge naming award.
06 14 AGREEMENT TO REPLACE BIRDGE
Mayor
David signed an agreement with the Wisconsin DOT to begin the process for
replacement of the Main Street bridge in 2023
___ 2020 __________________
06 05 WisDOT
PROPOSED WIS 19 DESIGN PROJECT TO REPLACE MAIN STREET BRIDGE
04 05 NORTH
SIDE SIDEWALK CLOSED
Effective
immediately: the north side sidewalk of the Main Street (Cole) Bridge will be
closed to the public. A recent routine
inspection of the bridge determined that there is insufficient support to the
northwest sidewalk quadrant.
According to the inspector, the affected area is only in the sidewalk
area, traffic lanes and the remainder of the bridge remain in a safe, stable
condition. The city will be meeting with
Wisconsin Department of Transportation on Friday, March 4, 2022 to determine
repair options. This section of sidewalk
will remain closed until repairs can be made.
Businesses in the area are still accessible. Currently, despite advocacy from the city to
move up the replacement date, the bridge is slated to be replaced by the State
of Wisconsin in 2026.
05 04 REPAIR WORK UNDERWAY
Repair
work on the Main Street bridge is getting underway this week downtown and will
last most of the month. The bridge has failing
I-beams in the northwest sidewalk area and has concrete deterioration at the
southeast sidewalk area beyond the railing.
According
to the city’s bridge inspector, the bridge remains structurally stable and safe
to drive over, but citizens should not walk on the sidewalk on the northwest
side and should walk around the barricades on the southeast side due to safety
concerns. The sidewalks on the affected sides of the bridge have been
temporarily barricaded, with more permanent barricades will be installed this
week.
The
city has contracted with Pheifer Brothers Construction Co. of Neenah to make
the needed repairs to the sidewalk areas. The work is expected to last up to
four weeks. WDTimes
article
05 05 BRIDGE REPAIR BEGINS WITH REMOVAL OF
RAILING
The
bridge has failing I-beams in the northwest sidewalk area. Pheifer Brothers Construction of Neenah
making the needed repairs to the sidewalk areas. The work is expected to last up to four
weeks.
08 18 BRIDGE NAMED / TOM GODFROY (2020) AND
JERRY HEPP (2022)
Tom
Godfroy and Jerry Hepp will have the Main Street bridge named after them for a
year, will have their names engraved on a permanent granite plaque at the
entrance to the Rock River Walkway and will receive a personal plaque as a
remembrance of this honor. Godfroy was
honored for the 2020 year when Riverfest was postponed due to the COVID
pandemic and Hepp is being honored as the 2022 recipient. Both men were honored for their extensive
community service.
___ 2023 __________________
01 16 POT
HOLE FORMING ON BRIDGE DECK
On Friday, January 13th, Engineering
Division staff noticed a pot hole forming in the eastbound lane on the Main
Street (Cole) Bridge deck. Engineering
Division staff contacted its contracted bridge inspection firm, and a bridge
inspector inspected the forming pothole.
The bridge inspector recommended the City place a steel traffic plate
over the cracking surface to eliminate further deterioration. Street Division crews placed the plate early
Saturday morning, January 14th.
The
City of Watertown has been intentional in maintaining this bridge over the past
decade. The City successfully completed
a bridge rehabilitation project in 2016 for approximately $300,000. The goal of that project was to extend the
life of the 1931 constructed bridge another ten years or so. Since that rehabilitation project, the City
has invested an additional $200,000 on bridge maintenance.
“The
City cannot continue in this manner; the growing cost of repairs has become
nearly impossible to maintain,” said Mayor Emily McFarland. “Ironically, this most recent issue was
noticed not even 30 minutes after Governor Evers walked over the bridge with
me. I did discuss with him our need to
move up the bridge reconstruction, and our need to limit the scope creep that I
feel is happening from DOT,” Mayor McFarland said.
The
City is under contract with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
to remove the existing bridge and construct a new one in 2025 with potential
for the project to move up to 2024. This
change came after the date was originally planned for 2026 and Mayor McFarland
advocated to move the project up. The
City hopes that the bridge can remain open until its repair; however, the State
may place weight restrictions on the bridge.
The bridge is inspected by a contracted structural firm every six months
to assure it is safe to the traveling public, and City staff visually examine
the bridge on a regular basis.
01 23 WEIGHT
RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON MAIN STREET BRIDGE
The
Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Waukesha-based Corre, Watertown’s
structural engineering firm, will only allow a weight limit of 20 tons or
40,000 pounds. Before the change, the
bridge had a 40-ton limit.
The Watertown
Fire Department’s engine weighs approximately 20 tons and the ladder truck
weighs about 40 tons. Both will have to
use Milwaukee or Cady streets. Cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, box trucks and school
buses can cross the bridge without issue. Semi-trucks, dump trucks and fire
trucks will be prohibited,
10 25 MASONIC
TEMPLE STABILIZATION PROJECT
SCOPE
OF PROJECT <> The project includes, but is not limited to,
stabilizing an existing beam and masonry wall in the basement of the existing
Masonic Temple. Jet grouting soil
stabilization below the basement floor of the Masonic Temple, installation of
interior drain tile, weeps, and sump pit, removal of a portion of the existing
Hollow Sidewalk, and installation of waterproofing on the south basement wall
of the Masonic Temple, or contractor's approved alternative means and methods
to complete the above scope of work. -
Jaynellen J. Holloway, P.E., Director of Public Works
___ 2024 __________________
01 08 SOIL
STABILIZATION PROJECT TO BEGIN
Beginning
January 8th, the City of Watertown, in collaboration with contractor McMullen
and Pitz of Manitowoc, WI, intends to initiate critical work within the public
right-of-way adjacent to the Main Street (Cole Memorial) Bridge and Masonic
Temple at 2 E. Main Street. The primary
objectives of this work are to stabilize the soil beneath the Masonic Temple
down to bedrock for future bridge construction and to remove a concrete
structure within the public right-of-way
09 24 MAIN
STREET BRIDGE WON'T OPEN ON SCHEDULE
Due to
a dispute between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and
contractor Zenith Tech (ZTI), Watertown’s Main Street Bridge won’t open as
previously scheduled Nov. 27. The delay
is caused by a dispute with the contractor over shoring up the southeast corner
of the bridge.
WDTimes
article, / CBS58
video
Cross References:
Peter
Brooks’ barber shop and candy store, in (on) middle of Main St bridge,
south side of
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin