16th St. viaduct closed until April

The 16th Street viaduct will remain closed to all traffic until sometime in April after city officials determined the span needs significant repairs following a recent inspection, Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works announced.

The closure began in December of last year after a structural floor beam on the viaduct was found to show signs of accelerated wear, prompting city engineers to shut the bridge to vehicles and pedestrians.

Officials said the time needed to fabricate the replacement beam and complete its installation is the main reason for the extended closure.

The recently published inspection report clearly shows the beam’s deterioration.

A representative from Potawatomi Casino noted the shutdown affects access to the casino’s parking structure from the bridge, though other entrances remain open.

Part of the viaduct had already been closed earlier in a separate rehabilitation project over the Menomonee River. That work, between Canal Street and Clybourn Street, will continue alongside the emergency repairs.

The viaduct has long been a key north-south connection through the city, linking neighborhoods and carrying thousands of vehicles each day. Its closure has forced drivers to seek alternate routes while crews work on the beam replacement and related structural improvements.