Dip in Green Bay bridge apparently caused by corrosion

GREEN BAY (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) revealed in a news conference Thursday, October 3rd that corrosion caused the Leo Frigo Bridge to sag.

According to the WisDOT, the inspection revealed that pilings for Pier 22 that are located eight feet below the bottom of the concrete footing had buckled, apparently due to corrosion.

Pier 22 on the bridge’s east side sank two feet on the morning of September 25, causing the deck to sag and the bridge to be closed to traffic indefinitely.

WisDOT noted at the news conference that the investigation is ongoing, but the bridge deck and Pier 22 appear to be in good shape.

The experts on the investigation team believe this corrosion was caused by a combination of the soil composition at this location and the rise and fall of the water table.

The investigation has also found that the vast majority of the other bridge piers being checked are in the same condition as they were when they were installed 33 years ago.

The bridge has not moved since it settled last week and the department believes there is no danger of collapse.

WisDOT’s NE Region Director Will Dorsey said, “As the investigation concludes, work will get underway to consider possible repairs. Our goal is to do whatever is needed to quickly and safely reopen the bridge.”

WisDOT has no estimate as to when the bridge might reopen.