Merrimac Bridge Project is Complete

The Merrimac Bridge Project is complete.

FRA

SAUK COUNTY, Wis. - The Merrimac Bridge traverses Lake Wisconsin and can now support 286,000-pound railcars at 25 mph.

The project was completed after a $6.75 million USDOT’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) investment and a 50% match from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The bridge is operated by Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, LLC (WSOR) through an operating agreement with the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission. The original structure was built in 1895 with rehabilitation occurring in 1903 and 1930.

According to Wisconsin DOT, phase 1 of the project was competed in 2018, and phase 2 was completed in May 2021. These included emergency repairs to one span and a replacement of steel components in nine bridge spans, respectively. Phase 3 was selected in 2020 for a USDOT INFRA grant for $6.75 million with the final design in summer 2022. The project is now complete, according to the FRA. Crews replaced 13 bride spans, upgraded 1,400 linear feet of new bridge deck, and reinforced five masonry piers and concrete surfaces.

FRA Senior Policy Advisor Rusty Roberts said, “This project is an excellent example of the work FRA is doing to update our nation’s aging infrastructure.” Special thanks to Wisconsin DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman, Chairman of Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission Marty Krueger, and everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”