The bureaucrats and politicians dawdle, while the clock ticks on the decision to either repair or replace the Hoan Bridge.
Steve Jagler, executive editor of the Biz Times writes more about it here.
Right now, they’re dawdling. Some want the bridge torn down and replaced with a ground-level street connecting downtown Milwaukee to the south suburbs. Of course, since the Port of Milwaukee is located under the current bridge, that would necessitate the creation of a drawbridge that would have to be opened to let ships in and out of the port.
I’ve driven over the Hoan Bridge to and from the new Lake Parkway. There’s nothing under that bridge that would remotely encourage the type of development advocates of tearing down the bridge claim. There’s no there there.
Peter Beitzel, vice president at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), and state Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale) both called for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a full study, assessing all of the options for the Hoan Bridge.
“We need to do this right. I want good information. I think it’s key to the Milwaukee region,” Stone said. “I’m going to argue we need a full study.”
Why a full study unless the proponents already know the outcome? Why is MMAC behind tearing down the Hoan Bridge unless someone stands to make money off a lousy idea? Remember: these are the same folks who gave us the trainwreck of tearing down the Park East Freeway for no reason and nothing of use. It’s still an empty lot.
What is the fascination with the so-called enlightened folks in Milwaukee with tearing down things that work? The Hoan Bridge connects downtown Milwaukee to the south suburbs and makes it easy to get from one to the other.
Jagler cites Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik as a leadng opponent of tearing down the bridge:
Jursik cited several reasons the Hoan must be retained in its current form:
- Residents on the South Side need a direct, efficient traffic link to Downtown jobs and entertainment.
- The Port of Milwaukee needs a clean, unimpeded route for ships.
- The Hoan provides a direct link for Downtown residents and visitors to General Mitchell International Airport.
- A reduction in traffic capacity on the Hoan would force more traffic onto north / south Interstate 94.
- Commuters on the South Side use the Hoan as a route to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
- The Hoan offers an inviting, impressive first view of Downtown Milwaukee for first-time visitors from the airport or the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry.
- Properly marketed, the bridge could become an icon of the city’s skyline.
Here’s a brief history of the Hoan Bridge, with the large part of the article focusing on the 2000 partial collapse and repair.
Why do I get the feeling they’re going to screw this up?
