Wisconsin Approves Tank Creek Bridge Replacement for 2028
The bridge replacement will restore trail access for local businesses after years of closure.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Construction
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The Wisconsin State Building Commission has authorized the replacement of the fire-damaged Tank Creek Bridge and three additional structures along the Great River State Trail. This infrastructure project, supported by a $2.3 million federal grant, aims to restore trail connectivity for tourism and local commerce by 2028.
Why it matters
The bridge closure since 2025 has interrupted traffic on a key regional trail, directly impacting local businesses that rely on the Great River State Trail for customer access. Restoring these connections is essential for reclaiming seasonal tourism revenue in the area near Trempealeau.
The project includes a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the 200-foot Tank Creek Bridge and three additional pedestrian bridges. Officials plan for construction to begin in 2028, following the bridge's closure after a 2025 fire.
The players
Wisconsin State Building Commission
A state-level body responsible for approving and overseeing major capital construction and infrastructure projects across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The state agency tasked with managing public lands and recreational infrastructure, including the Great River State Trail.
U.S. Department of Transportation
The federal agency that provides national funding and oversight for transportation infrastructure improvements.
The details
The replacement initiative upgrades infrastructure originally built in 1957 by the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad. New designs will prioritize flood resilience, shifting from the outdated railroad-era engineering to modern standards capable of managing higher water levels. The project will restore continuous access across the Great River State Trail, 3 miles east of Trempealeau, supporting renewed flow for outdoor-focused businesses.
Timeline
1957: The original bridge was built for the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad.
2025: The bridge closed following damage from a fire.
October 27, 2026: The State Building Commission approved the bridge replacement project.
2028: The Department of Natural Resources expects to reconstruct the bridge.
Market Landscape
The project utilizes the Wisconsin Federal Lands Access Program to secure necessary funding for trail infrastructure. It marks a significant effort to restore regional connectivity by aligning local recreation management with federal-state funding precedents.
Operators dependent on regional trail traffic should prepare for continued access limitations until the 2028 construction phase. Businesses should track Department of Natural Resources project updates to align their seasonal marketing with the expected restoration of the Great River State Trail.
The takeaway
Restoring regional trail infrastructure is a critical signal for businesses that depend on consistent tourism traffic. Owners should track the 2028 reconstruction schedule to manage customer expectations and anticipate potential changes in trail usage patterns upon completion.
Further reading
For more on infrastructure developments, visit Wisconsin Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Winona Daily News.
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