DOT Public Meeting on Remote Bridge Operations Aug. 1

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will hold a public meeting Aug. 1 to review data about the test period of remote operations of the three Sturgeon Bay Bridges.

All three bridges have been operated from the Maple to Oregon Street Bridge since 2014. The Michigan Street Bridge has operated remotely since 2011. The WisDOT has compiled data on Sturgeon Bay remote operations and are seeking public comment. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) will evaluate the data and public comments and determine whether to extend the test period, modify the arrangement, or make the remote operation arrangement permanent.

Operating the bridges remotely has brought bridge operations costs down from $1.03 million per year to $340,000, almost entirely through manpower savings, according to Jason Lahm from the WisDOT.

If the operation is made permanent and added to the national register, it would make the canal the first waterway operated entirely remotely in the United States, Lahm said.

The public can view remote operations data and exhibits at the public meeting. Bridge engineers and members of the USCG will be on hand to answer questions on an individual basis. The public can also provide comments at the meeting that will be included in the final report to the USCG.

The meeting will be held in the community room at Sturgeon Bay City Hall at 5:30 pm.