The Wells Street Bridge in Downtown is closed to both cars and pedestrians as the city works on a problem related to the hydraulic system that controls how the bridge raises and lowers.

City officials began repair work at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. 

The bridge was built in 1985, and closed temporarily in 1998 to repair a broken shaft.  Otherwise, it's operated well and has been regularly maintained. 

River traffic will be allowed under the bridge during the repairs that will last "until further notice.

Detour routes:

Eastbound: Traffic will be directed off Wells Street at Plankinton southbound to Wisconsin Avenue or northbound to Kilbourn Avenue. Motorists and pedestrians will cross the river on Wisconsin or Kilbourn and rejoin East Wells Street via North Water Street.

Westbound: Traffic will be directed off Wells Street northbound on North Water Street to East Kilbourn Avenue. Motorists and pedestrians will cross the river on Kilbourn and rejoin West Wells Street via Plankinton.