The County Highway M Bridge over the Chippewa River will have a 30-ton weight limit placed in effect immediately. During a recent bridge inspection, distortion was found in several of the bridge’s steel connection plates.
Chippewa County Highway Department bridge inspection staff are working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Structures and structural engineers from a private consultant to evaluate the extent of the damages and determine any necessary repairs.
Conditions will be monitored closely for any further changes. Heavy loading exceeding the previous 40-ton weight limit is thought to be the cause of these damages. The Highway Department has requested increased presence from State & County weight enforcement officers to prevent illegal loads from crossing this bridge. Motorists traveling in vehicles weighing less than 30 tons can continue to safely travel across the bridge.
The County anticipates that the engineering analysis of the damaged connections will take place over the next two months, with any necessary repairs likely to take place in Summer 2023.
At this time, the Highway Department requests the public’s cooperation in utilizing alternate routes in order to keep all loads of 30 tons or larger off of this structure. The Highway Department understands the inconvenience this causes for some businesses; however, safety is always the department’s top priority. Any questions regarding this issue can be directed to the Chippewa County Highway Department at (715) 726-7914.
