Lake Delton proved washed-out dam roads can be rebuilt quickly

Lake Delhi area residents faced with rebuilding their dam might take some encouragement from Lake Delton, Wis., where a 750-foot road embankment washed out in June 2008 following weeks of rain. It was rebuilt before the end of the year.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation engineer Bill Oliva still marvels at the speed of the project. Rebuilding the road was deemed a priority because it provided access to the Wisconsin Dells, a major tourist attraction providing a source of revenue for area businesses and the state.

The roadway washed out June 9, the rebuilding process started June 24, plans were completed Aug. 15, major construction began Sept. 8 and the main roadway was open before Thanksgiving, Oliva said.

The state spent $3 million on property acquisition and $5.5 million on construction.