Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Friday announced US 2 at North Fish Creek in Bayfield County has reopened. The reopening of the bridge yesterday marks the completion of the state highway system’s final project following the heavy rain and flooding that occurred on June 15.
“The reopening of this U.S. 2 bridge restores mobility throughout the region and ensure that tourists can travel to Wisconsin’s beautiful northwest region this Labor Day weekend and for all the upcoming fall festivities in the area,” said Governor Walker. “Thank you to all those involved in the speedy flood recovery efforts including: contractors, construction crews, first responders, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and county highway departments.”
?Wisconsin was quick to mobilize for recovery,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Ross said. “We are grateful for the collaboration and strong partnerships that ensured northern Wisconsin was open for business just days after areas received more than a foot of rain.”
The US 2 bridge, located east of Ino in Bayfield County, is the final project to restore the state’s highway system following record flooding across northern Wisconsin. During the heavy rainfall, a culvert and some of US 2 washed away. The culvert was replaced with a single-span bridge. The estimated cost to construct the bridge is $2.2 million.
Governor Walker declared a State of Emergency for Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas and Iron Counties on July 18. The federal emergency declaration was signed on August 10. FEMA estimates a total of $13.1 million in damages to public infrastructure due to the June flooding in the region.
U.S. 2 reopened yesterday at 2 p.m., just 74 days after the flood event.
