July 17, 2025 – Dodge County, WI – A passenger vehicle versus dump truck crash has resulted in a long-term road closure affecting State Highway 26 southbound just north of Watertown. This closure is also affecting State Highway 16 westbound traffic, which would be going southbound onto State Highway 26. The closure began at about 11:30 a.m. and is expected to last until 2:00 p.m.
At about 11:30 a.m., 911 callers reported a two-vehicle crash in the interchange area on State Highway 26 southbound and State Highway 16. The initial investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office showed that a passenger vehicle driven by a 60-year-old woman from the town of Lebanon was stopped at the bottom of the entrance ramp from State Highway 16 westbound at State Highway 26 southbound, then began crossing the southbound lanes, into the path of the dump truck.
The driver of the dump truck, a 25-year-old Jefferson man, took evasive action but struck the front of the car. The dump truck rolled onto its side, spilling most of the gravel load it was hauling. The fuel tanks on the truck ruptured, causing diesel fuel to cover the roadway, as well. Both drivers were the only occupants of their vehicles, and both were transported by ambulance to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Also responding to the scene were the Watertown Fire Department and Paramedics, Waterloo EMS, Watertown Police Department, and DCERT.
Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt.