Emergency Box Culvert Repairs, CTH E in the Town of Merton
Between CTH Q & CTH VV
County Trunk Highway E (CTH E) continues to be closed to through traffic between CTH Q and CTH VV following the failure of a concrete box culvert, approximately one-half mile north of CTH VV. Emergency repair construction is scheduled to start on Monday, August 24, 2026, and Waukesha County anticipates reopening CTH E to traffic on Monday, September 14, 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.
Waukesha County is working with Zenith Tech, a Walbec Company; Cedar Corporation; and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to complete the emergency repairs. Construction is expected to take approximately three weeks. The construction schedule and reopening date are subject to change.
The existing culvert is estimated to be approximately 95 years old and carries stream flow from Lake Keesus west to the Oconomowoc River beneath CTH E. The failure affected both the culvert and the soil supporting the roadway, creating a structural and public-safety concern that requires a full closure while crews stabilize and rebuild the area.
Repair work will include new steel supports and retaining structures, reconstruction of the affected roadway slope, installation of safety barriers, pavement and pavement-marking restoration, and final landscaping and site restoration.
Barricades and closure signage are in place for public safety. Local access will be maintained from both the north and south where feasible and safe; however, vehicles will not be able to travel through the closure area.
A signed detour route is being placed using County Trunk Highway VV (CTH VV), State Highway 83 (STH 83), and County Trunk Highway Q (CTH Q). Drivers should follow posted detour signs, barricades, and closure signage; use alternate routes; and avoid the closed section of CTH E.
Construction equipment, materials, and workers will occupy the roadway throughout the repair period. Waukesha County appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while this emergency repair work is completed.
For more information, please contact Brett Wallace, Waukesha County Engineering Services Manager, at 262-548-7740.
