Mukwonago, Wis. – The Village of Mukwonago is once again raising alarms over the deteriorating condition of the Canadian National (CN) railroad crossing on Veterans Way East (CTH NN), citing repeated public complaints, vehicle damage, and inaction from both the railroad and Waukesha County.
According to official documents and police reports dating back to 2022, residents and local authorities have made several complaints about loose bolts, popped track panels, and other hazardous conditions at the crossing. One report from October 2023 describes a woman whose vehicle tire was punctured by track debris. In another case, officers noted that bolts were “sticking straight up” from the rail and warned of potential accidents.
Waukesha County Watch captured video footage documenting issues on May 7, 2025. In the footage, the rail visibly shifts as a train passes over it. Vehicles jolt sharply as they cross. This movement highlights the serious safety risks caused by the deteriorating crossing.
According to Mukwonago officials, because CTH NN is a county highway, the responsibility for initiating repairs lies with Waukesha County officials. Village leadership has formally requested action multiple times, but despite persistent efforts and growing safety concerns, the issue remains unresolved.
2024: Waukesha County Notified, No Response
On November 21, 2024, Mukwonago Public Works (DPW) Director Ron Bittner sent a formal letter to Allison Bussler, Director of Waukesha County Public Works, urging the county to take immediate steps under Wisconsin Statute § 86.12. The law outlines a process where the responsible highway authority—typically the county—can compel railroad companies to make prompt repairs. That process is also outlined on the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads website.
According to Bittner, “The letter was sent registered mail, and we received confirmation that it was signed for at the county. “
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Open in new tab Bittner emphasized that the village has documented complaints going back more than two years and warned that the crossing “poses a considerable risk to our community.”
The Village requested the county to start the legal resolution and enforcement process with Canadian National. They stated their willingness to help. However, they clarified that the county holds primary responsibility. The letter was also copied to County Executive Paul Farrow and other municipal leaders.
According to Village officials, Waukesha County Public Works has not responded to the Village’s letter or taken formal action. Waukesha County Watch has contacted Public Works Director Allison Bussler for comment and is awaiting a response.
Village Police and Canadian National Communication: A Long Trail of Complaints
Mukwonago Police dispatch logs reflect more than a dozen calls to CN Railroad about track conditions since 2022. In many cases, CN acknowledged the issue but delayed repairs or advised that the crossing was “not scheduled” for immediate work. In March 2024, an officer noted placing a cone to alert traffic to a bolt sticking up that couldn’t be stomped down. CN was called again.
Another resident, according to police notes from April 2024, was so concerned she contacted the police despite having no vehicle damage, saying “the tracks are going to kill someone.” Officers met her on site and confirmed missing bolts and degraded patchwork.
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Next Steps: Will Waukesha County Officials Take Action?
According to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR), if CN Railroad fails to act within 30 days of being served a formal resolution, the municipality or county can file a complaint with OCR. This could trigger a state hearing to force the railroad to make repairs.
However, for that process to begin, the responsible highway authority—Waukesha County in this case—must take the lead. The Village of Mukwonago has laid the groundwork but remains stalled without Waukesha county or Canadian National response.
Community Safety at Stake
The continued deterioration of the Veterans Way railroad crossing raises broader concerns about jurisdiction, accountability, and infrastructure safety in Waukesha County. Residents who experience issues or damage from the crossing are encouraged to report incidents to the Village and document any harm. You can also contact Canadian National Railroad at 1-800-465-9239 (option 3).
The Village of Mukwonago has taken every step within its authority to prompt Waukesha County to start repairs on the hazardous railroad crossing. As residents grow increasingly frustrated, village trustees and public works leaders continue to press for immediate action—warning that without intervention, it’s only a matter of time before another complaint turns into a serious accident.
Do you have photos, video, or personal experience with this railroad crossing?
Contact us at Waukesha County Watch.
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