Cornell City Council - Blue bridge is in need of some touch-ups

The blue bridge in Cornell, is a familiar sight and a necessary presence, connecting one side of the Chippewa River to the other. If all goes as plan, the WisDot plans to spot paint parts of the bridge, as well as other maintenance, sometime in the next five or so years. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s hard to miss the blue bridge over the Chippewa River, on State Hwy. 64 in Cornell, but it’s been some time since the last maintenance was done. That’s why the WisDOT is looking for comments on painting of the structure and the traffic impacts the project will have.

The project is slated to take place in 2030, but could happen as soon as 2029, if funding becomes available, as reported Feb. 6, at the Cornell City Council meeting.

Traffic will be shifted across the bridge, to maintain two lanes, with periodic single lane closures occurring during work hours. The scope of the work includes spot painting of the tie girders, matching the existing color, as well as guardrail replacement on the east end of the bridge, which includes minor sidewalk adjustments.

Anyone with comments, can direct them to Bill Biesmann, at 608-310-3286, or bbiesmann@klengineering. com.

“It’s been probably 20 years, since that was done,” said council president Steve Turany.

It was also reported that the Public Service Commission is further considering a transmission line through Cornell, to Holcombe, that is proposed from Northern States Power company. To gather input, a listening session will be held Tuesday, March 4, from 2-5 p.m., at the Lake Holcombe Town Hall.

“If they do go through here, it will have some impact,” said mayor Mark Larson.

Larson also pointed out that the gun range is looking good, after the timber sale is complete at the site.

“In my opinion, they’ve done an excellent job,” said Larson.

During the meeting, members approved Resolution 25-1, regarding uncollectible utility bills and removing them from the tax roll.

“This is more of a bookkeeping thing,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

Sandy Scheckleman asked if they couldn’t turn the matter over to a debt collection agency, but DeJongh says the people have since vacated the premises, and that the city is not able to collect through the tax refund debt interceptor or the state debt collection.

“Those are all free to us,” said DeJongh.