Hoan Bridge

This bridge was built in 1972 & spans the entrance to Milwaukee’s inner harbor, where the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers merge. It was known as the “bridge to nowhere” because when it was built there was a huge backlash by the local people about the ever-expanding free-way systems, so it was never connected......until 1998. Those of us living in the South Shore area were so happy, as we finally had nearby, convenient access to the downtown area and the rest of the freeway system instead of going miles out of our way. Then in Dec. of 2000 one of the motorists driving over the bridge noticed cracks rapidly appearing, and a 200 ft. span of the bridge began buckling. He dialed 911 & the sheriffs were there within minutes to stop traffic; fortunately no one was injured. Two of the three supports on the bridge had failed. Had the third failed & not held the lane in place the cars would have gone into the harbor along with that part of the bridge. It was closed for almost a year while the failed area was completely removed and rebuilt, & the rest meticulously inspected, and it was re-opened 11 months later. :))