City to hold public involvement meeting on bridge replacement

City of Rhinelander officials are seeking public input on the proposed replacement of the Kemp Street Bridge, a main artery into and out of the city. The city has announced it would hold a public involvement meeting on the proposed bridge replacement at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 at City Hall (135 S. Stevens). “Discussion will focus on the replacement of the Kemp Street Bridge, impacts to adjacent properties, traffic impacts, and the construction schedule of this project,” according to a notice issued by city administrator Patrick Reagan. “The project construction could begin as early as the summer of 2028. Impacts to city-owned property near the bridge are anticipated for the construction of the proposed structure.” A short presentation of the proposed bridge replacement will be provided by representatives of the consulting firm Ayres Associates. Informal discussions will follow the presentation to discuss individual concerns regarding the project. All interested persons are invited to attend.
According to a post on the Positively Rhinelander Facebook page, authored by local historian Kerry Bloedorn, the idea for a bridge over the Wisconsin River at Kemp Street emerged in the mid-1950s.
“Before that time, crossing in Rhinelander were limited to the bridge over the dam on Phillips Street and the main route on Davenport Street, with the next Wisconsin River crossing to the south all the way in Merrill,” Bloedorn wrote. “Kemp Street simply dead-ended at the river or funneled travelers south along the east side of the Wisconsin River after crossing the Pelican River near its confluence”
According to Bloedorn’s post, the bridge was completed and dedicated in 1956.