November 7, 2025

By Lane Kimble

Replacing four bridges along I-94 in Jefferson County could prevent devastating flooding that closed the freeway for several weeks.

WisDOT plans to use the Design Build method on the Crawfish and Rock River bridges with Requests for Qualification (RFQ) opening next Friday, Nov. 14.

The project will involve replacing a total of four structures (two at each river crossing), raising them to surpass the 100-year flood event level. Historic floods in 2008 led to a full westbound shutdown of I-94 for two weeks at the bridges.

The scope of work may also involve soil improvements and a retaining wall addition. You can view the project’s preliminary plans HERE.

The winning firm must demonstrate how it will maintain traffic throughout the construction process while ideally saving taxpayer dollars and time. SOQs will likely be due in January and WisDOT aims to award the project in June 2026.

The Crawfish/Rock River bridges project is one of six in the initial Design-Build Pilot program.

WTBA’s Elise Nelson and Jodi Jensen testified Oct. 28 and 29 in support of a bill that would launch a permanent Design-Build program. Committees in the Senate and Assembly will vote on the bill next week.