US Bridges

Ush 45 over Milwaukee River

Fair

Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin · 3.6M N JCT Sth 28 to W · Structure no. B20002700000000

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ush 45 over Milwaukee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ush 45 over Milwaukee River in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,740 by 2042. The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesUsh 45
CrossesMilwaukee River
Location3.6M N JCT Sth 28 to W
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyFond du Lac County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates43.58, -88.24
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length81 ft (24.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,740 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ush 45 over Milwaukee River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ush 45 over Milwaukee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Ush 45 over Milwaukee River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ush 45 over Milwaukee River?

The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Ush 45 over Milwaukee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.