Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge Live Cam
Situated on the north side of Green Bay
History
The Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge, also known as the Tower Drive Bridge, is a suspension bridge located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, that spans the Fox River. It is named after Leo Frigo, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in the area.
The bridge was built in 1980 to replace the Walnut Street Bridge, which had become too narrow and outdated for modern traffic. The new bridge was designed by Modjeski and Masters, a prominent engineering firm, and was constructed by Lunda Construction.
On September 25, 2013, the bridge was closed due to concerns over structural integrity after a 400-foot-long section of the deck had dropped approximately two feet. After investigation, it was found that one of the bridge's piers had settled about two feet into the ground due to soil erosion. The bridge remained closed for several months while repairs were made.
In honor of Leo Frigo's contributions to the community, the bridge was renamed the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge in 2014. Today, the bridge serves as a vital transportation link for the Green Bay area, carrying over 40,000 vehicles per day.
Here's some more information about the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge:
- The bridge is 1.2 miles long and has a main span of 869 feet.
- It was built at a cost of $17 million and was funded by a combination of federal, state, and local sources.
- The bridge was designed to withstand 70-mile-per-hour winds and a 500-year flood event.
- Leo Frigo, the bridge's namesake, was a successful businessman in the Green Bay area who founded the Frigo Cheese Corporation. He was also a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to local charities and organizations.
- In addition to its transportation function, the bridge has become a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, offering panoramic views of the Fox River and the surrounding area.
- The bridge has been featured in several movies and television shows, including the film "Public Enemies" and the TV series "Making a Murderer."
- After the 2013 closure, the bridge underwent extensive repairs that included the replacement of the damaged sections of the deck and the installation of new piers and bearings. The repairs cost over $15 million and were completed in 2015.
Historical Facts
- The bridge was officially opened to traffic on August 22, 1981, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community members.
- The bridge was named the Tower Drive Bridge for its proximity to Tower Drive, a major roadway in the Green Bay area.
- In 1992, the bridge was featured in the film "Universal Soldier," starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren.
- In 1995, the bridge underwent a major renovation that included the replacement of the bridge deck, the addition of a new sidewalk, and the installation of new lighting.
- The bridge was closed for several weeks in 2010 after a truck carrying a piece of construction equipment struck the bridge, causing significant damage to one of the piers.
- The closure of the bridge in 2013 was one of the longest in Wisconsin's history, lasting for several months and causing significant traffic disruptions in the Green Bay area.
- In 2014, the bridge was officially renamed the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge in honor of Leo Frigo's contributions to the community.
- The bridge has become a symbol of the Green Bay area, appearing on postcards, t-shirts, and other souvenirs sold throughout the region.
Geography
The Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, and spans the Fox River. The bridge connects the east and west sides of the city, providing a vital transportation link for local residents and businesses. The bridge is situated just south of downtown Green Bay and is easily accessible from major highways, including Interstate 43 and State Highway 54. The bridge is part of US Route 141, which is a major north-south route that runs from Green Bay to Abrams, Wisconsin. The bridge is also located near several important landmarks and attractions, including Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers football team, and the Bay Beach Amusement Park.