Residents' Interest Can't Speed Up Bridge Lane Ravine Footbridge Decision

Since the Bridge Lane Ravine Footbridge closed back in October, residents have continued to voice their opinions at every Village Board meeting that has listed the bridge on the agenda.

Tuesday was no exception.

"I hope that the board will also consider the fact that another year should not go by without access to that bridge," Fox Point resident Carl Schwartz said.

"My father proposed to my mother on the bluff behind the bridge," said Linda Gale Sampson, another Fox Point resident. "I want to see it totally replaced, as strong as possible, as low or no maintenance as possible."

While those opinions are accelerating the process, board members are still seeking additional information, postponing a decision until the April meeting.

Village President Michael West reminded everyone that the three possible options for the bridge are deconstruction, repair, or rebuilding. The bridge connects Barnett Lane and Bridge Lane.

Scott Brandmeier, village engineer, advised residents and the board that completing all preliminary processes for the bridge — including designing, receiving bids and starting construction — would take roughly six to eight months. The actual bridge removal and construction would take another four to five months.

"We are overreacting," said Jean Wilson, another neighbor to the bridge. "Repairs, if need be, could be done and we would have the bridge that the village needs as opposed to something, perhaps, more than we need."

Trustee Eric Fonstad asked if there were any fundraising efforts yet. , the village has put $550,000 in its capital budget to replace the bridge but wants supporters of the bridge to raise at least that much more through private donations. West said that while no one has come forward yet, he hopes the Fox Point Foundation will come to the bridge's aid.