WIS 130 Lone Rock Wisconsin River Bridges

As the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s first ever design-build initiative, the WIS 130 Lone Rock Wisconsin River Bridges project has not only restored critical connection and improved safety, but it sets a new precedent for WisDOT’s use of the alternative delivery method.

The Project

HNTB helped replace three existing, 80+ year old, steel truss bridges with two prestressed, multi-segmented, girder bridges. At approximately 1,000 feet each, the new bridges carry WIS 130 and 133 over both channels of the Wisconsin River.

Serving as Owner’s Representative, HNTB provided construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services. Due to its rural location, moderate travel rate of 2,500 vehicle per day and the existing bridge’s limited service life, the project was determined as an ideal choice for WisDOT’s first use of design-build to expedite the project.

Putting Safety First

The bridge replacements haven't only tested a new delivery approach for Wisconsin. The project has improved safety and restored a connection that communities on both sides of the river can rely upon.

To affirm the safety of future commuters, a critical element of the work included realigning an existing T-intersection located at the south side of the river. As the crossing runs along a steeply sloped rock bluff, HNTB helped to shift the WIS 130/133 intersection 1,000 feet to the west, thereby eliminating any potential dangers to future motorists on the new bridges. The project also added an eastbound bypass lane, a westbound right turn lane and beam guards to help minimize traffic hazards.

A Dependable Delivery

With only the demolition of the previous structures remaining, the success of the Wisconsin River Bridges project renews a vital transportation link for surrounding communities and — as design-build further proves to be a dependable mode of delivery for WisDOT — helps usher forth new possibilities for the state’s future transportation infrastructure initiatives.