Excessive and constant noise after hours from demolition crews working on the Hoan Bridge reconstruction project is robbing the sleep of Historic Third Ward residents who live just blocks away from the span, according to Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman.
Bauman, chair of the Common Council’s Public Works Committee, held a press conference at City Hall this morning to protest the noise from the project.
Bauman said demolition crews are using large concrete-crushing, backhoe-mounted jackhammers and other heavy equipment on the bridge reportedly between the hours of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m., keeping nearby residents from getting quality sleep.
“The noise is bone-jarring and excessive, yet the (Wisconsin Department of Transportation) believes they are exempt from the city’s noise ordinance,” said Bauman, whose district includes the Historic Third Ward. “Worse yet, residents and business owners are indicating that the demolition work is not happening during normal daytime business hours – it is taking place only at nighttime. This is unacceptable to me and to the residents who live just blocks away from the bridge.”
The re-decking and reconstruction work on the Hoan Bridge is expected to last until late 2015.
The BizTimes Media office is located in the Third Ward, two blocks from the Hoan Bridge. BizTimes staff heard the noises from the reconstruction project throughout the day Thursday and Friday.
Additional coverage of the complaints about the project will be provided tonight by WISN-Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes.
