Montpelier, WI Small Bridges: Two-Thirds in Poor or Severe Condition

Mar 24, 2026

The town of Montpelier is a rural municipality in western Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, spanning approximately 36 square miles. With a population of around 1,500 residents, the town is deeply rooted in agriculture, particularly the dairy industry, which dominates the local economy alongside related farming activities.

In the statewide inventory and assessment of small bridges and structures (spanning more than 6 feet but 20 feet or less), six such structures were identified. Of these:

Two are in severe condition,
Two are in poor condition (weight-posted at 20 tons),
And the remaining two are evenly split between fair and good condition ratings.

The results indicate that the town must replace more than half of its deteriorating small bridges, either immediately or in the near future, to maintain safe, functional roadways.

The two structures rated severe—located on Sleepy Hollow Road (just south of STH 29) and JJ Road—have been closed to traffic. These closures significantly affect local milk haulers, forage producers, manure-hauling farm operations, and residents. As a result, detours are increasing wear and tear on other town roads and disrupting agricultural logistics in this heavily farming-dependent community.

The town estimates that replacing each structure will cost upwards of $600,000.

With an aging road network and limited resources, Montpelier will likely need to issue bonds to fund these and future replacements unless the state provides ongoing financial support. One potential source is the new Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP), created in the 2025-2027 state budget with $30 million in one-time funding. The program can reimburse local governments for up to 90% of eligible costs on qualifying small bridges and culverts.

Sleepy Hollow Road