US Bridges

IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River

Good

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin · 1.4M W of STH32 · Structure no. B40141200040000

Built
2007
18 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Good
inspected June 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
280 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,850
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It was built in 2007 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 18 years old, younger than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 33,850 vehicles a day, projected to reach 42,800 by 2041. The structure is 280 ft (85.2 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

CarriesIH 794 WB
CrossesMilwaukee River
Location1.4M W of STH32
RouteInterstate 794
Coordinates43.03596, -87.90949
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length280 ft (85.2 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.1 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,850 (2021)
Projected traffic42,800 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2022.

How much traffic does IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River carry?

About 33,850 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.2 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.1 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns IH 794 WB over Milwaukee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.