Ripon Common Council Considers Bridge Replacement

The Ripon Common Council this week pondered the future of the bridge on Tygert Street between Scott and Jackson Streets. It was shut down in May when the City Engineer discovered some structural problems. City Administrator Lori Rich says the damage may have even occurred during flooding 9 years ago. She says the stream crossing isn’t structurally sound. She says it is okay for pedestrian use, but not vehicle use. She says options to replace the bridge run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. She to replace it with a similar bridge would cost $500,000; with a pre-cast structure would be $300,000. She says the other option is not to replace, but keep it for pedestrian use only. Rich says the Council will also consider improving a small street nearby and what it may cost to remove the crossing completely.