According to Downtown Eau Claire, Inc., the Water Street Bridge will be open for traffic after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 1 – just in time for the start of fall semester classes of UW-Eau Claire. The new bridge replaced a 69-year-old structure and will be wider to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians as well as vehicles.

A celebration and ribbon cutting for the highly anticipated opening will take place on September 1 at 4:30pm, right on the bridge. Festivities will include musical performances from groups like the Blugold Marching Band. The actual ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 5:50pm. Speakers representing the State of Wisconsin, the City of Eau Claire, UW-Eau Claire, and the Businesses of Water Street will say a few words.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting, members of the City of Eau Claire Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commission will complete a ceremonial first crossing. The public is welcome to join on bike or on foot. The bridge will be opened to traffic following the ceremony.

Parking is available in the University lot at the corner of 1st and Water Street. Pedestrians are welcome to the party from either end of the bridge and via the Chippewa Valley Trail.

The celebration is a collaboration presented by Downtown Eau Claire Inc, the Water Street Business Improvement District, the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association, the Third Ward Neighborhood Association, and UW-Eau Claire.