Falls Pedestrian Bridge Will Reopen In November

The footbridge across Highway 41/45 is one of the most recognizable features signaling you are in Menomonee Falls.

Currently, the bridge is undergoing some needed maintenance, but is expected to open for pedestrian traffic the first week of November, Falls Director of Engineering Tom Hoffman said Monday.

The footbridge spans the highway and connects Water Street on either side. The “cable-stayed” bridge is believed to be one of the first of its type built in Wisconsin - and possibly the nation. The bridge was also a staging area for a pro- Gov. Scott Walker rally during the recall election.

As part of the construction, the bridge will be repainted, fencing will be replaced, and a structure analysis will also be completed on the bridge.

The former powder blue finish will be replaced with a more earthen brown tone.

Lanes will be closed along the highway intermittently during the night when work crews need to access the bridge from the highway.

The project will cost the Department of Transportation $620,000 with the village contributing $160,000. The bridge is 365 feet in length, and was opened in 1970. It stands roughly 24 feet above the highway.