MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The long-awaited opening of Menasha’s Racine Street Bridge has officially arrived, and the city made sure to celebrate the occasion with flair.
The bridge, which was supposed to open last fall, opened to traffic Wednesday evening after community members ceremoniously walked across the bridge.
Among the walkers included the Menasha High School Marching Band and the veteran and police honor guards.
The Menasha High School marching band marches across the new Racine Street bridge in Menasha April 19, 2023. (WLUK/Don Steffens)
Considering the bridge’s three delays, the community was eager for the new bridge to open.
“This new bridge, I believe, represents a bold vision for Menasha as we engage in the aim of defining our community, our aspirations, ourselves,” said Menasha Mayor Don Merkes.
The new lift gate bridge, which connects downtown Menasha with Doty Island across the Fox River, experienced such delays due to supply chain issues, according to the Department of Transportation.
