Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett want the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to begin the process of re-decking the Hoan bridge. They also want state officials to look at the feasibility of new ramps at both ends of the bridge. The two elected officials have sent letters to Madison asking for work to begin immediately on the Hoan.
D-O-T Secretary Frank Busalacchi earlier suggested replacing the bridge with a different type structure that would span the Port of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Patricia Jursik calls that a bad idea. She says timing is critical when it comes to redecking the Hoan.
“The second round of stimulus money’s going to be coming down later this year. We need the engineering studies done on the Hoan bridge to be eligible for those stimulus money,” Jursik says.
Jursik calls the Hoan an essential link to the Lake Parkway for people living in Milwaukee south shore communities such as Cudahy and Oak Creek. Speaking of the Lake Parkway, momentum is growing to extend that roadway south to Ryan Road.