US Bridges

Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River

Poor

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin · 0.3M N JCT Ush 18 · Structure no. P40086400000000

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
229 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,650
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,650 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,198 by 2043. The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesLrd W Cherry ST
CrossesMilwaukee River
Location0.3M N JCT Ush 18
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMilwaukee County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates43.04886, -87.91192
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length229 ft (69.8 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,650 (2023)
Projected traffic3,198 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River carry?

About 1,650 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River?

The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Lrd W Cherry ST over Milwaukee River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.