As a resident of Trempealeau, I am deeply concerned about the impending damage to our community caused by the lack of bypass structures in the Wisconsin DOT’s plan for the Highway 35 Bridge replacement project. The proposed detour through Galesville stands to negatively impact local businesses, causing them to lose revenue and potentially shutter. However, what troubles me the most is the added risk to life. The detour will add a critical 20 minutes to response times from emergency services. In emergency situations, every minute counts and this additional time could mean the difference between life and death.

In an era where we are making advancements in infrastructure, it is crucial that we prioritize community welfare. The planned detour is not just an inconvenience, but a life-threatening risk. In a research study, it was found that a delay in ambulance response times by even 1 minute increases the mortality rate by 10% (American Health & Drug Benefits, 2017).

This is a personal plea from residents of Trempealeau wanting to protect their livelihoods and the lives of their loved ones. We therefore urge the Wisconsin DOT to consider including bypass structures in their Highway 35 Bridge replacement project. We need your support and ask for you to sign this petition advocating for safety and local stability in our town.

DOT Project Overview - 

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/wis35-bridges/default.aspx

There are three structures, the Tank Creek Bridge, East Channel Black River Bridge and the West Channel Black River Bridge involved in this project. The need for these projects is to replace the existing structures and update the pavement, pavement markings, guardrail, and all other incidental items necessary to complete the work. This section of WIS 35 between Holmen and Trempealeau has three structures that are deteriorating and in need of replacement.

Contact Information & Talking Points -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UfdFVLFCZ3tTx_ZMD2z9jj-YK2i-VSluJwKdrhE4UbY/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you to Katie Simota on Facebook What's Happening in Trempealeau Group for putting together the above link.