Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman today joined federal and local officials, and industry partners to celebrate completion of the WIS 130-Lone Rock bridge project across the Wisconsin River. The bridges link three counties – Iowa, Richland and Sauk – as a key piece of infrastructure to the local economy.
“We’re excited to revitalize this critical connection for local commuters, freight traffic, agricultural vehicles and tourists alike,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “The new structures will serve the area for decades and adjacent road improvements already provide safety benefits for travelers. This project highlights our continued commitment to make strategic investments throughout our state to improve safety and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.”
Work began in November 2022 to construct the two new bridges while keeping the existing structures open to traffic during construction. The $40 million project also realigned the WIS 130/133 intersection to improve safety. The project reconstructed WIS 133 with comprehensive safety innovations to protect travelers, including a guardrail and concrete barrier wall designed to reduce crashes and prevent rock falls on the roadway. These improvements were urgent safety needs for the community of Lone Rock, and those who pass through the area.
“We are very proud of the new bridges,” Lone Rock Village President Dan Quinn said. “The planning and construction process was a real team effort. It will provide safe and efficient travel in the area for generations to come.”
The Lone Rock bridge project is an example of design-build, which combines design and construction efforts simultaneously to expedite the construction timeline. The process included coordination among federal, state and local agencies, stakeholders and the project contractors.
