Construction of the new bridge was completed in 2020 , opening to traffic on October 7 , at a cost of nearly $ 820,000 , with approximately 80 percent supplied by WisDOT ’ s State Transportation Improvement program and the remainder locally funded by Rock County and the towns of Turtle and La Prairie . The 146-foot long , three-span concrete haunched slab bridge has a 24-foot clear roadway and is designed for modern load carrying capacity . About 300 feet of roadway was reconstructed to improve South Smith Road ’ s bridge approaches .
“ Replacing the bridge with a structure meeting current traffic standards drastically improves safety and accessibility at this crossing ,” Jorgenson said . “ Both the design and construction teams did an outstanding job providing a bridge that fits the area well and looks great .”
Keeping history alive
The new bridge gives travelers several opportunities to reflect on the history of transportation . From that bridge , visitors can see the nearby Tiffany Bridge , a five-span arch bridge eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places . It is believed to be the only five span stone arch bridge still in use by railroad companies . Adjacent to the new bridge is Rock County ’ s Turtle Creek Parkway , public land that provides access to the river . A monument has been placed there to commemorate the original bridge and explain its design significance .
The historic bridge is now part of a snowmobile trail on Luety ’ s property and is open to visitors year-round . He only asks that people first get permission to access his land . A Facebook page , Historic Smith Road Bridge , offers pictures of the move , the bridge in its new location , and a means of contacting the Luety family .
“ The bridge is a mile or less from where it used to be , and I think people are enjoying the drive over to take a look at it ,” Luety said . “ It ’ s still part of the community , and that ’ s what we wanted .”
Pantzlaff said this was only the second time in his 48-year career that he ’ s been involved in a bridge project that included preservation of the old structure . It was a first for Inman , Jorgenson , and many other people involved in the process .
“ This was a very unique project , and I am fortunate to have had a part in it ,” Jorgenson said . “ These old bridges , once fairly abundant , are now few and far between , and they carry a definite nostalgia . The Luetys have done a fantastic job with preserving this bridge for current and future generations to experience and enjoy .” www . AyresAssociates . com 15