Milwaukee alderman says Hoan rebuild must meet strict conditions (10:56 a.m. 6/22/09)

Milwaukee Alderman Robert J. Bauman said any plans to reconfigure, re-design or alter the 2.5-mile Hoan bridge that connects Milwaukee’s south side to downtown must satisfy a set of conditions he plans to introduce to the Common Council on July 7.

The conditions include:

• The bridge and its approaches must use the existing right of way and the same footprint.

• The bridge’s approaches must remain elevated over all land uses beneath the approaches.

• Moveable bridge spans must have sufficient clearance over the water to minimize bridge openings for non-commercial vessels.

• Bridge openings must be limited to non-peak traffic periods, except in emergencies.

• The bridge and its approaches must accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

• The bridge and its approaches must be limited to two travel lanes and one distress lane, bicycle lane and pedestrian sidewalk in each direction.

• The lake shore interchange must be eliminated and replaced by an at-grade intersection or roundabout in the approximate location of Clybourn Street and Lincoln Memorial Drive.

• All new or reconstructed structures must be designed with lighting and architectural elements developed in consultation with the city of Milwaukee.

Bauman’s conditions could be referred to the Common Council’s Public Works Committee.