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Story Created: Nov 19, 2009

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009

Zoo Interchange Bridges Need Immediate Replacement

By Dan O'Donnell

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced Thursday that safety concerns will require it to replace three bridge structures in the Zoo Interchange.

Those bridges run:
• northbound I-894/US 45 through the interchange to north US 45
• southbound US 45 to the eastbound I-94 connector ramp
• northbound I-894/US 45 to the westbound I-94 ramp.

"It is absolutely still safe to drive over those structures right now," said DOT Division Operations Director Paul Trombino.

Archive: 
• State Restricts Trucks Through Zoo Interchange
• Cost of Zoo Interchange Reconstruction?  Maybe $2.3 Billion
• Audio: Beth Cannestra of Wisconsin DOT explains deterioration of Zoo Interchange to 620WTMJ's "Jagler and Mueller"

"But we are moving forward with the reccommendations of inspectors who found significant deterioration. These are 40 year-old bridges and we need to replace them."

DOT crews will work to replace all three of those bridges by June and will not require full freeway closures.

"Safety of the motoring public is our top priority," said DOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi said in a news release.

"The Zoo Interchange is the busiest interchange in the state of Wisconsin. We must place a high priority on keeping travelers safe, commerce flowing and minimizing the impacts of construction on neighboring communities."

In mid-August, weight restrictions were posted for trucks heading through the interchange. Those restrictions will remain in place to preserve the integrity of the structures until they are replaced.

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