Officials: No sign that collapsed culvert was deteriorating

Couple, woman died when road collapsed

NEILLSVILLE, Wis. — Clark County’s emergency management director said there was no sign of fatigue or deterioration of a county road that washed out, killing three motorists.

Michelle Hartness said a flash flood hit the area Wednesday night, causing a 50-foot wide section of road to collapse and wash away. Hartness said the culvert underneath the road showed no signs of erosion last week when a highway mowing crew was there.

The county is mandated to inspect bridges every two years, but not culverts. WSAW-TV said the culvert and section of County Road M that washed away is expected to be repaired within two to four weeks.

A Milwaukee couple and a Thorp woman died when their trucks fell 12 to 15 feet into the ravine and became partially submerged.