STH 81 – CTH C (CTH M) Braezels Branch Bridge, B-23-0183 CTH M

Wisconsin Department of Transportation is soliciting bids for replacement of the Braezels Branch Bridge on STH 81 at CTH C (CTH M), contract B-23-0183, with bids due December 8, 2026. The contract is subject to federal-aid highway funding and carries a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program requirement. Bidders must submit a Commitment to Subcontract to DBE (Form DT1506 or digital entry) at bid time, with Attachment A forms or DBE quotes due within one hour of bid submission, or within 24 hours if only quotes were submitted. If the assigned DBE goal is not met, good faith effort documentation (Form DT1202) is due within 24 hours of bid closing.

Scope covers replacing the existing structure, plus clearing and grubbing, grading, base aggregate and dense asphaltic pavement, guardrail, erosion control, traffic control, finishing items, in-water work, riprap placement, permanent signing, and incidental items. Bidders must submit a list of proposed subcontractors with the proposal and obtain an annual bid bond. Bids go electronically through Bid Express before 11:45 AM on the last business day preceding the letting. A waiver permits a paper bid with a $75 administrative fee.

Construction must begin within ten calendar days of written notice to proceed and finish within the 2027 construction season. The contractor provides a detailed construction timeframe within one month of contract execution. Environmental restrictions include no instream disturbance at Braezels Branch from March 15 to June 15 (fish spawning), migratory bird nesting protections from April 15 to August 31, and tree clearing and trimming limited to April 15 through October 31 to protect endangered bats. Required permits include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 coverage and Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater construction general permit coverage if cumulative land disturbance exceeds one acre. Utility coordination involves Brightspeed (underground telephone line) and Scenic Rivers Energy Co-operative (overhead electric line).

County Highway M closes to traffic during construction with no signed detour, though alternative routes are available and residential access must be maintained. Holiday and special event work restrictions apply during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The contract includes Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) program participation, with $5.00 per hour reimbursements for HCST graduates and apprentices.

The solicitation lists the jurisdiction as Grant County (FIPS 55043), while the attached proposal summary places the project in Green County.