Council approves agreements with WisDOT for S. 90th Street bridge replacement, funding sidewalks and streetlights

The Greenfield Common Council on Sept. 16 approved a financial agreement and a maintenance agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation related to replacement of the South 90th Street bridge over I-894. The agreements formalize the city’s responsibilities for sidewalks, streetlights and related local work associated with the state bridge replacement project.

Staff and council members discussed the project schedule, which was described as likely to proceed in 2027 though officials said WisDOT may move elements to 2028 to avoid clashes with longer freeway reconstruction projects near the stadium. The project will straighten the existing road alignment on S. 90th Street, eliminate a current curve, and install sidewalks and streetlights on both sides of the bridge to improve pedestrian connections.

Council members and staff said the new sidewalks will connect to a planned Powerline Trail Phase 4 and enable a continuous pedestrian corridor from local streets to regional trails. City staff noted the city typically assumes long-term maintenance responsibility for sidewalks and streetlights installed as part of state projects; the maintenance agreement confirms that arrangement. The city also discussed relocating a small number of planted trees adjacent to an apartment property; staff said they plan to salvage the trees and move them rather than remove them outright.

Council recorded unanimous approval of the financial and maintenance agreements; staff said the bridge work enables sewer and drainage work already under contract for the S. 90th Street corridor and that design and bids for related trail phases may proceed in 2026.

Staff asked the council to approve the financial agreement and the maintenance agreement so the city’s share and maintenance responsibilities would be clear ahead of final state project scheduling.