The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed bridge rehabilitation project on the Donald A. Tilleman Bridge (WIS 54/Mason Street) across the Fox River in the city of Green Bay, Brown County, Wis. This website provides information regarding the proposed improvement scope, schedule and traffic impacts, and offers an opportunity for public comment. We appreciate your input and encourage you to take a moment to review the project information and provide comments.
Project location
The project area for the WIS 54/Mason Street/Tilleman Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation encompasses only the lift bridge (movable) portion of the Mason Street Bridge spanning the Fox River.
Improvement Purpose, and Need
The project is a bridge rehabilitation-level improvement project.
- The purpose of the project is to preserve the long-term operation of the Mason Street Bridge.
- The project is needed to address identified structure deterioration.
The existing structure was constructed in 1973. Several maintenance improvements and repairs to the structure and its mechanical and electrical elements have been made over the years. A recent inspection of the bridge (November 2021) confirmed deterioration exists that needs to be addressed to maintain the long-term operation of the bridge. The bridge is perfectly safe for all modes of travel. However, the current rate of deterioration of the bridge is beyond what can be addressed by routine maintenance of the bridge.
There is an ongoing WIS 54/Mason Street/Tilleman Bridge Study that may influence the scope of the Rehabilitation Project. Please see the WIS 54/Mason Street/Tilleman Bridge Reconstruction or Replacement Study website for more details.
Proposed improvements
This is a rehabilitation-level improvement of the existing lift bridge structure that would include:
- Replacement of bridge deck grates, steel center median, and bascule span stringers
- Abrasive blast cleaning and bridge painting
- Replacement/repair of deteriorated concrete
- Replacement/repair of various other mechanical and electrical elements of the existing lift bridge structure in need of rehabilitation
Proposed improvement schedule
- Local Official Meeting (LOM): Fall 2023
- Public Involvement Meeting (PIM): Fall 2023
- Final Environmental Document: March 2024
- Final Plans: February 2026
- Construction is currently scheduled to occur in late 2026 or early 2027.
Project exhibits
Proposed traffic impacts
Traffic impacts are currently being investigated and will be presented in future project updates. Traffic impacts being investigated may include lane closures and/or full closure of the Mason St. Bridge during construction.
Real estate
No real estate will be required for this project.
In This Together program for businesses
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones have special needs. It's critical that customers have access to businesses and that they continue to visit them, regardless of any road work inconvenience.
WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. On the In This Together website, businesses can find:
- Specially designed Business Coordination Guide for businesses to succeed during a highway construction project, includes information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Case studies that demonstrate techniques that have been successfully used in communities throughout Wisconsin.
- Promotional samples showing a variety of examples of how businesses have promoted their businesses during construction.
Temporary business signing
During any closure or detours, businesses impacted will also have the opportunity for temporary business signing. Information regarding business signing can be found in the Business Coordination Guide.
Public comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community. Your input is welcome and appreciated throughout the design process.
- Fill out the comment form (with prepaid mailer) and mail it to the project staff listed below
- Email comments or questions to the project staff listed below
- Call the project staff listed below
Project contact
Joshua Lang, P.E., Project Manager
WisDOT Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 492-4141
Joshua.Lang@dot.wi.gov