Fond du Lac West Division Street Bridge
2025 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: MSA Professional Services Inc.
Client: City of Fond du Lac
At first glance, the replacement of Fond du Lac’s West Division Street Bridge might seem like a straightforward project. However, this endeavor presented engineers with significant challenges, requiring innovative solutions and meticulous coordination to succeed. The existing 1968 structure was in serious condition and constrained by urban surroundings, including adjacent railroad tracks.
MSA Professional Services designed an excellent replacement structure. A two-span, haunched concrete slab bridge ensures structural integrity and safety with 12-foot travel lanes, 5.5-foot shoulders and 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides. Raised medians were incorporated to enhance safety in this railroad “quiet zone,” deterring drivers from circumventing protective gates.
The adjacent railroad created a substantial issue, with trains coming through every half hour. The team developed a cost-effective solution by leveraging the adjacent railway bridge abutment and tie-back bracing to stabilize the railroad fill during construction. Vibration monitoring protected a nearby historic building and coordination with an overlapping city-led street reconstruction ensured seamless progress. The railroad operated throughout construction; a surprising feat given the tight space.
This project stands out not only for its technical ingenuity but also for the collaboration required among stakeholders. The West Division Street Bridge exemplifies how small projects can achieve significant, lasting impacts for the communities they serve.