Lunch and a $286,000 tab? Town looks to increase vertical clearance of CN bridge

Natural disasters and fires have impacted this CN’s ability to move portions of the grain harvest.

CN

It just took one lunch to put a bridge raising in motion in the town of Lafayette, Wis.

There is about 30 in. of space separating a Canadian National rail bridge and the water level of Lake Wissota. Many boats simply cannot navigate the opening to get to the other side. Rob Brown, who owns the View tavern, ran into a CN worker one day during lunch, and now officials are talking about elevating the span by 18 in. The move would allow most recreational boats to cross under the bridge.

The rail bridge, which runs parallel with Highway X, sits in a dip, so the procedure is expected to be far less expensive than a traditional bridge raising. CN estimates the cost will be around $286,000.

The Class 1 now wants to work with the town to make the project a reality. A contract with CN could be approved at the next town board meeting on March 21.

Funding, however, will have to come from private donations. Town of Lafayette Board Chairman Dave Staber thinks enough money could be generated, and the project could begin as early as this fall.

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