Eau Claire Seeking Public Input on Dewey Street Bridge Project

EAU CLAIRE, Wis (WCFW) – City of Eau Claire officials are seeking additional community input on proposed plans for the Dewey Street Bridge replacement project.

City officials do not expect to complete a final plan for the new bridge and the nearby trail paths until September of 2026. Construction could begin in May of 2027 and continue through December, with potential partial closures earlier for utility preparations.

According to the City of Eau Claire website, the Dewey Street Bridge was originally built in 1931. The last major replacement project took place in 1979, meaning the bridge has reached the end of its useful life.

The proposed project includes the removal and replacement of the existing structure, as well as a reconstruction of the roadway with new asphalt, shoulders, and sidewalks. The project also calls for new access points for the Chippewa River State Trail. Construction work will require the city to close the road to traffic with a detour through Farwell Street.

The City of Eau Claire held a public involvement meeting for the project on July 31. Following that meeting, officials put out a call for additional public input as they seek to settle on a final plan.

Area residents can comment on two proposals for trail crossing options, as well as lighting options and whether parking should be available on the bridge or if it should instead feature two lanes in each direction. Renderings of the currently proposed plan for the bridge and trail crossings as well as alternative options are also available on the City of Eau Claire’s website. Residents can submit their comments on this stage of the project online until August 31st.