 The Interstate Bridge was completely replaced starting on November 1 , 2004 , in a joint project between the MDOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . The 13 @-@ month project was budgeted to cost $ 6 @.@ 45 million ( equivalent to $ 8 @.@ 6 million in 2015 ) . Demolition started in the center of the crossing , sawing the deck into pieces for disposal . This reconstruction was completed ahead of schedule , and the span reopened on November 22 , 2005 . The project completely replaced the bridge above the water line with wider traffic lanes , a new bicycle lane and wider sidewalks . Images of wild rice were sculpted into the concrete because " Menominee " in the local Menominee language means " wild rice " . These sculptures were added to the other decorative elements placed on the new bridge including the railings and light poles . The new Interstate Bridge was dedicated on December 3 , 2005 , in a ribbon @-@ cutting ceremony that replicated the 1930 ceremony on the previous crossing . 
