Rust has begun to form on the 16 decorative light poles lining the College Avenue Bridge in Appleton. February 13, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — 16 decorative light poles were added to the College Avenue Bridge when it was constructed in 2009, but now, they’re starting to show their age.
“Unfortunately, we’ve noticed some premature rusting occurring on the decorative lights that were installed originally, and they are, at this point, constituting a need for replacement,” said Appleton Public Works Director Laura Jungwirth.
The cause of the rust? An excess of salt combined with harsh weather conditions on the bridge — leading to the rapid deterioration.
As a result, Jungwirth said the city is looking to replace each of the 16 poles.
“The cost of each is anticipated to be right around $5,500 each, so the total being just under $90,000,” she explained.
Jungwirth said the cost is well within the planned budget for this year — meaning taxpayers won’t be burdened with the cost.
The city’s Municipal Services Committee discussed the replacement this week and expects the new steel poles to last much longer.
City Traffic Engineer Eric Lom spoke to the committee Monday.
“The process that they’re using now is much improved over the process that they used back then,” he said. “Got 15 [years] out of the first one, I would hope to get say, 25 or 30 [years] out of the second ones.”
Jungwirth said the current poles pose no safety concerns.
“Nothing to worry about with this. We’re planning a replacement and they continued to be monitored for safety,” she said. “Once council has the opportunity to take a look at this information, we will be proceeding on ordering from there.”
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation paid for the original light poles back in 2009.
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