Highland Bridge remains closed, DPW evaluating options

MILWAUKEE --The Highland Avenue pedestrian bridge in downtown Milwaukee is stuck in the raised position.

The bridge was opened Wednesday afternoon for river traffic associated with the construction of the Juneau Avenue Bridge. During the opening, the bridge encountered an emergency stop due to a pedestrian passing through the gates and onto the bridge.

The sudden shut down has caused an unknown operating problem with the cylinders, and the bridge is stuck in the fully raised/open position. The bridge was subsequently closed to pedestrians and properly barricaded.

The Department of Public Works called in the designer of the hydraulic system to assist staff Wednesday evening in diagnosing the problem and assisting in repairing the hydraulic system. Thursday afternoon, DPW issued a statement saying the bridge will remain closed until DPW can evaluate repair options for the hydraulic system on the bridge. DPW says once a preferred repair option has been identified, they will have a better idea of when the bridge will become functional again.

Pedestrians are asked to use the State Street Bridge just to the south to cross the Milwaukee River.