Rebuilding Bridge Avenue: A Vital Infrastructure Upgrade for Star Prairie
The reconstruction of Bridge Avenue was more than a road project—it was an investment in the future of Star Prairie. The Village of Star Prairie took a major step forward in revitalizing its infrastructure with the Bridge Avenue Reconstruction Project, a comprehensive effort to improve safety, accessibility, and utility services along one of the community’s key corridors. This project was funded in part through the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP).
Project Overview
The Bridge Avenue Reconstruction spans approximately 580 feet, from the intersection with State Highway 65 (Main Street) to the east end of Bridge Avenue. The scope of work included:
Roadway reconstruction with new asphaltic surfaces
Concrete curb and gutter installation
Sidewalk improvements, including ADA-compliant curb ramps
Storm and sanitary sewer upgrades
Erosion control and landscaping
Traffic control enhancements
Utility coordination and relocation
The project was designed by ISG, a multidisciplinary engineering firm.
Environmental & utility coordination
The project included coordination with multiple utility providers:
Northwest Communications (fiber relocation)
We Energies (gas line relocation)
Xcel Energy (pole anchor relocation)
Additionally, care was taken to minimize disturbance to existing trees, with new Japanese Tree Lilacs planted as part of the beautification effort.
Construction Timeline
The construction timeline was tight with a contract completion time of only 40 working days. Work needed to be completed for the community events, such as Ox Cart Days (August 14–17, 2025). Despite weather-related delays, the project was completed within the contractual timeframe and met all quality standards and expectations set forth by the Village and project stakeholders.
Community Impact
Bridge Avenue is home to several local businesses and the Village Community Center, making this reconstruction a high-impact project for residents and visitors alike.
The improvements:
Enhanced pedestrian safety and accessibility
Improved stormwater management
Supported economic vitality by improving access to local businesses
Ensured long-term durability of public infrastructure
Special Features
The project also included improvements to the Village Community Center entrances, including a new concrete stoop at the west entrance
These upgrades improved accessibility and complement the overall streetscape enhancements.
