Emergency Box Culvert Repair Schedule Update CTH E in the Town of Merton

County Trunk Highway E (CTH E) continues to be closed to through traffic between CTH Q and CTH VV due to the emergency repair of a concrete box culvert, approximately one-half mile north of CTH VV. Waukesha County now anticipates reopening CTH E to traffic on Thursday, September 17, 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.

Waukesha County, in partnership with Zenith Tech, a Walbec Company; Cedar Corporation; and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has made strong progress on emergency repairs. The work is expected to be completed next week - just several weeks after construction began last month.

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 includes 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 remain in place for public safety. Local access continues to be maintained from both the north and south where feasible and safe; however, vehicles cannot travel through the closure area. A signed detour route is in place 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 continue to avoid the closed section of CTH E. 

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.