Background
County Highway E (CTH E) handles a substantial flow of nearly 5,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest roads in Green Lake County. A 10-foot structure on CTH E was built over a century ago and is now in poor condition and near the end of its useful life. It serves as a key link in the county’s transportation network, supporting daily travel and commerce in the region.

Challenge
If this small bridge were to fail or require load restrictions, the detour would extend 21 miles, routing traffic through Waushara County and back to Green Lake County. There are no nearby local roads that could provide alternative westward access. As a result, emergency medical services (EMS) responding to incidents west of the structure would experience significant delays, potentially compromising public safety.

Additionally, a detour would impose extra strain on surrounding county and state highways, which would absorb the redirected traffic volume. 

Impacts on Local Economy and Community
A closure or weight restriction would have profound effects on local businesses and agriculture. A major retailer in Berlin and a nearby lumber company rely on CTH E to transport goods efficiently. Interruptions could hinder operations and supply chains.

A popular bar and eatery, located less than half a mile from the structure, draws a significant portion of its customer base from the Berlin community. Traffic from the east would be severely affected if this structure were to close.

The area is a farming hub, with fields along CTH E and grain depots in Berlin and Auroraville. Farmers must cross this small bridge to move crops, so any downtime or detours would increase the farmers’ fuel expenses and disrupt the agricultural economy that underpins the region.

Financial and Resource Considerations
Replacing the aging structure to comply with modern standards will require a substantial investment of about $400,000. The cost of this single replacement could consume more than 10% of the county’s annual road budget, diverting funds from other essential improvements and straining local resources. Green Lake County borrows funds to cover ongoing road and infrastructure upgrades, with major projects requiring years of advanced planning.

Securing state funding to proactively replace this small bridge would alleviate financial, economic, and safety concerns, ensuring continued service for the thousands of daily users while preserving the county’s ability to advance its broader road improvement initiatives.

South end of the deck/fascia has 3 spalls with exposed rebar.

Heavy vertical crack on the West abutment located mid-span.