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Council hears updates on Lapham Street Bridge replacement and Lake Bluff Drive environmental permitting
Summary
Public Works Director Jason Herzog briefed the council on two long‑planned road projects: replacing the single‑lane Lapham Street Bridge with a two‑way concrete span and pursuing permitting and design for the Lake Bluff Drive connection and Rose Knope Creek crossing.
Public Works Director Jason Herzog told the Common Council that the long‑planned Lapham Street Bridge project is moving toward construction, with plans and specifications submitted to the state and bidding expected later this summer.
"This will replace a single lane bridge with a bi directional concrete bridge," Herzog said, noting the structure crosses the Oconomowoc River next to Orting Park and the Golden View subdivision. He said the design work has been underway for years and the city hopes to start construction in early winter and complete work next spring.
Herzog also described a Lake Bluff Drive project that will require environmental permits to cross Rose Knope Creek; the work would connect Old State Highway 67 to Lake Bluff Drive and is intended to improve east‑west circulation and reduce conflicts around the Nature Hill school area. He said the city will proceed with environmental permitting this year and hopes to design and construct in 2026.
Council members asked whether the bridge reopening would allow the Golden View subdivision to access the road and whether the Lake Bluff plan included traffic solutions near schools. Herzog said previous council direction indicated the bridge gate would open if the new span supported two‑way traffic; he added the Lake Bluff study would consider school traffic reroutes and the city has reached out to the school district and bus company for input.
Why it matters: both projects are part of the city’s long‑range street and utility priorities and will affect neighborhood access and traffic patterns. The bridge replacement also required coordination with state agencies and the Department of Natural Resources.
Budget and schedule: Herzog said staff submitted plan specifications and cost estimates to the state; the project will be bid later in summer with construction targeted for early winter and completion next spring. Lake Bluff Drive work will proceed with permitting in 2025 and design/construction in 2026 pending approvals and funding.
Ending: Herzog asked council members to flag policy or design concerns early during permitting and design so staff can address them before bids are released.
