The proposal to build a movable pedestrian bridge over the Sheboygan River in the South Pier district appears to be a no-go for now. The City of Sheboygan was awarded over $5 million in 2022 to construct the swing bridge that would allow easy access between the two sides of the riverfront and a contract with the Federal Highway Administration was begun the next year.
According to City Administrator Casey Bradley, since that time construction costs increased, in some cases, by as much as 12-18% each year, and along with refinements in the plans, initial estimates rose from $6.7 million then to over $12 million now.
Bradley has submitted a recommendation to the Mayor and Common Council to pause all further advancement of the project including design and engineering expenditures except for completion of the Environmental Documentation process. The City would retain the federal grant allocation while monitoring future cost conditions, keeping the project as an aspirational long-term improvement for the riverfront when conditions improve.
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