Temporary bridge installed at Winter site; will be a one‑lane HL‑93 structure with short-term service life
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Summary
A temporary bridge was delivered and set in place over an existing structure near Winter; it is a one-lane, 10-mph HL‑93 rated bridge expected to serve about five to six years and will increase Sawyer County’s bridge count to 73; inspection and signage remain before public opening.
A prefabricated temporary bridge arrived on two semis and was set into place over an existing structure near the Town of Winter during the week, county highway staff reported. Crews set the components in about two hours and bolted the sections together; staff said the bridge has an HL‑93 load rating and can accommodate log trucks under that loading specification. The temporary structure is one lane with a 10‑mile‑per‑hour posted speed and will require a formal inspection and a posted bridge number before public use.
Why it matters: Temporary bridges are used to restore a crossing quickly after damage or to maintain access while a permanent replacement is designed and contracted. Staff said the county’s inventory of bridges increases by one with this installation and the structure is expected to be a medium-term solution.
Staff details: Highway staff said town crews completed final approach work and the structure was inspected; inspectors will give the go-ahead to open it to traffic once signing is finished. Staff estimated an expected service period of approximately five to six years for the temporary installation. County staff also reported the bridge can be relocated in the future using county equipment although a hauling contractor’s low‑boy made the delivery easier; county excavators could move the unit if needed.
Next steps: County staff will complete inspections, install permanent signage, assign the county bridge number and monitor the temporary crossing while a permanent solution is planned or scheduled.