DOT Nixes Bike Path On Hoan Bridge

The state Department of Transportation said Friday that it will not move forward with a bike path on the Hoan Bridge.

"The Hoan Bridge is a vital part of the Milwaukee-area freeway system," DOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb said. "However, the alternatives presented in the feasibility study would impair our ability to provide safe, efficient travel and deliver less value than other possible department investments in economic development in Milwaukee."

The Hoan Bridge, a major route for Oak Creek residents who commute downtown, is being re-decked in 2013. Advocates of a bike path, including state Sen. Chris Larson and , felt it would be the perfect time to open up access to the Hoan for pedestrians and bicyclists. (update: see the comments for more on Jursik's views) Larson recently submitted a petition with signatures from 5,000 people supporting a bike path.

Critics noted the cost that it would add to the re-decking project and opposed eliminating a northbound lane of traffic, which was one of the more popular and cheapest options for a bike path to come to fruition.