Bridge out in Kewanee County

Inspections under Wisconsin’s small structures program have led to closures or weight limits on a dozen roads in Kewaunee County due to safety issues.

The program, targeting local bridges and culverts 6 to 20 feet long, identified roughly 100 such structures in the county. Two failed inspections triggered full closures on Longfellow Road and County Highway JJ. A structure on 10th Road was reduced to single-lane use, and nine others received weight limits to prevent damage or failure.

Local officials said the findings highlight the need for repairs and replacements.

The inspections stem from recent state budget provisions that boosted attention to small structures not covered under federal bridge inspection rules. The initiative aims to catalog conditions and flag needed repairs across Wisconsin.

Similar closures and restrictions have occurred elsewhere. No statewide tally is currently available.