84.06(1)(1)
Definitions. In this section:
84.06(1)(a)
(a) Subject to par.
(b), “improvement" or “highway improvement" includes all of the following:
84.06(1)(a)1.
1. Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and processes incidental to building, fabricating, or bettering a highway or street.
84.06(1)(a)2.
2. Highway operations or activities that are life-cycle or investment driven and that are based on an asset management philosophy in which taking action adds service life by preventing or delaying deterioration of highway system functionality.
84.06(1)(b)
(b) “Improvement" or “highway improvement" does not include any of the following:
84.06(1)(b)2.
2. The installation, replacement, rehabilitation, or maintenance of highway signs, highway lighting, or pavement markings or the maintenance of traffic control signals or intelligent transportation systems, unless incidental to building, fabricating, or bettering a highway or street.
84.06(1m)
(1m)
Plans. The department may prepare plans, estimates and specifications and undertake and perform all surveys, investigations and engineering work for any highway improvement within its jurisdiction. When provision has been made for the necessary funds for any such highway improvement and, if federal aid is to be utilized, when the project has been approved by the proper federal authorities, the department may proceed as provided in this section, with due regard to any applicable federal requirement or regulation.
84.06(2)(a)(a) All such highway improvements shall be executed by contract based on bids unless the department finds that another method as provided in sub.
(3) or
(4) would be more feasible and advantageous. Bids shall be advertised for in the manner determined by the department. Except as provided in s.
84.075, the contract shall be awarded to the lowest competent and responsible bidder as determined by the department. If the bid of the lowest competent bidder is determined by the department to be in excess of the estimated reasonable value of the work or not in the public interest, all bids may be rejected. The department shall, so far as reasonable, follow uniform methods of advertising for bids and may prescribe and require uniform forms of bids and contracts. Except as provided in par.
(b), the secretary shall enter into the contract on behalf of the state. Every such contract is exempted from ss.
16.70 to
16.75,
16.755 to
16.82,
16.87 and
16.89, but ss.
16.528,
16.752,
16.753, and
16.754 apply to the contract. Any such contract involving an expenditure of $1,000 or more shall not be valid until approved by the governor. The secretary may require the attorney general to examine any contract and any bond submitted in connection with the contract and report on its sufficiency of form and execution. The bond required by s.
779.14 (1m) is exempt from approval by the governor and shall be subject to approval by the secretary. This subsection also applies to contracts with private contractors based on bids for maintenance under s.
84.07.
84.06(2)(b)
(b) The department may designate the governing body of a city, county, village or town as its agent on behalf of the state to perform those bidding and contracting responsibilities under par.
(a) that the department determines are appropriate to delegate. An agent so designated who enters into a contract under this subsection shall do so on behalf of the department and the state, and the state shall be a party to the contract. Any such contract is subject to the conditions specified for contracts entered into by the secretary. The department may authorize an agent who is designated under this paragraph to perform bidding and contracting responsibilities under par.
(a) to administer the resulting contract on behalf of the state.
84.06(3)
(3)
Contracts with county or municipality; direct labor; materials. If the department finds that it would be more feasible and advantageous to have the improvement performed by the county in which the proposed improvement is located and without bids, the department may, by arrangement with the county highway committee of the county, enter into a contract satisfactory to the department to have the work done by the county forces and equipment. In such contract the department may authorize the county to purchase, deliver, and store materials and may fix the rental rates of small tools and equipment. The contract shall be between the county and the state and shall not be based on bids, and may be entered into on behalf of the county by the county highway committee and on behalf of the state by the secretary. Such contract is exempted from s.
779.14 and from all provisions of chs.
16 and
230, except ss.
16.753 and
16.754. If the total estimated indebtedness to be incurred exceeds $5,000 the contract shall not be valid until approved by the governor. The provisions of this subsection relating to agreements between a county and the state shall also authorize and apply to such arrangements between a city, town, or a village and the state. In such cases, the governing body of the city, town, or village shall enter into the agreement on behalf of the municipality.
84.06(4)
(4)
Special contracts with railroads and utilities. If an improvement undertaken by the department will cross or affect the property or facilities of a railroad or public utility company, the department may, upon finding that it is feasible and advantageous to the state, arrange to perform portions of the improvement work affecting such facilities or property or perform work of altering, rearranging, or relocating such facilities by contract with the railroad or public utility. Such contract shall be between the railroad company or public utility and the state and need not be based on bids. The contract may be entered into on behalf of the state by the secretary. Every such contract is exempted from s.
779.14 and from all provisions of chs.
16 and
230, except ss.
16.528,
16.752,
16.753, and
16.754. No such contract in which the total estimated debt to be incurred exceeds $5,000 shall be valid until approved by the governor. As used in this subsection, “public utility" means the same as in s.
196.01 (5), and includes a telecommunications carrier as defined in s.
196.01 (8m), and “railroad" means the same as in s.
195.02. “Property" as used in this subsection includes but is not limited to tracks, trestles, signals, grade crossings, rights-of-way, stations, pole lines, plants, substations, and other facilities. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve any railroad or public utility from any financial obligation, expense, duty, or responsibility otherwise provided by law relative to such property.
84.06(6)
(6)
Excess cost. Any excess in construction cost over the funds made available for any piece of work, shall be paid from unobligated funds as the department may determine, and any balance shall be credited to the appropriation from which the work was financed.
84.06(7)
(7)
Inspection and payment. The department may provide for the inspection of each piece of work to insure its proper performance. All indebtedness incurred under this section for any highway improvement shall be paid out of the available funds subject, if federal aid is utilized, to any applicable federal requirement or regulation.
84.06(8)
(8)
Contract for materials. Whenever an improvement has been determined upon and provision has been made for fully financing the cost the department, if it concludes that a probable saving can be effected thereby, may contract for any or all of the materials to be used in the improvement and for the delivery and storage of said materials at suitable points, and pay for the same out of any funds available for the improvement.
84.06(9)
(9)
Cattle passes. As a part of any highway improvement or as a separate project under this section, cattle passes may be constructed at places determined to be necessary and practical.
84.06(10)
(10)
Study required for highway development projects. The department shall conduct a study of the costs and benefits of each major highway development project which is commenced after July 1, 1980, and funded from the appropriation under s.
20.395 (3) (bq).
84.06(11)
(11)
State trails. As a part of any highway improvement or as a separate project under this section, a portion of a hiking trail, cross-country ski trail, bridle trail or bicycle trail under the management of a state agency, municipality or nonprofit corporation may be incorporated into the highway right-of-way, and facilities for safe crossing of the highway may be provided.
84.06(12)(a)1.
1. “Borrow" means soil or a mixture of soil and stone, gravel, or other material suitable for use in the construction of embankments or other similar earthworks constructed as part of a state highway construction project.
84.06(12)(a)2.
2. “Borrow site" means any site from which borrow is excavated for use in a specified state highway construction project.
84.06(12)(a)3.
3. “Political subdivision" means a city, village, town, or county.
84.06(12)(b)1.
1. The borrow site is located on a property near the site of the state highway construction project on which the borrow is to be used.
84.06(12)(b)2.
2. The owner of the property has consented to the establishment of the borrow site on his or her property.
84.06(12)(b)3.
3. The borrow site is used solely for the specified state highway construction project and solely during the period of construction of the specified state highway construction project.
84.06(12)(b)4.
4. The owner of the property on which the borrow site is located agrees to any noise abatement or landscaping measures required by the governing body of the political subdivision during the period of use.
84.06(12)(b)5.
5. The owner of the property on which the borrow site is located agrees to reasonably restore the site after the period of use.
84.06(12)(c)
(c) This subsection does not apply to any borrow site opened for use after July 1, 2011.
84.06(13)
(13)
Expenditures for intelligent transportation systems and traffic control signals. 84.06(13)(a)
(a) The installation, replacement, or rehabilitation of traffic control signals and intelligent transportation systems, not incidental to another highway improvement, may be funded only from the appropriations under s.
20.395 (3) (eq),
(et),
(ev),
(eu),
(ex), and
(ez).
84.06(13)(b)
(b) No later than September 1, 2014, and annually thereafter until September 1, 2019, the department shall prepare and submit a report under s.
13.172 (3) to the standing committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation matters on the expenditures from s.
20.395 (3) (et),
(eu), and
(ez) and on any other pertinent information related to traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems.
84.06 Annotation
The Department of Transportation may reevaluate a bidder's prior qualification or reject the lowest bid on the ground of irresponsibility of the successful bidder, but, in both instances notice and an opportunity for hearing on the reevaluation must be given to the contractor. 63 Atty. Gen. 60.
84.063
84.063
Utility facilities relocation. 84.063(1)(a)
(a) “Highway improvement" means a state trunk highway improvement project.
84.063(1)(b)
(b) “Utility facility" means any pipe, pipeline, duct, wire line, conduit, pole, tower, equipment or other structure, whether aboveground or underground, used for any of the following:
84.063(1)(b)1.
1. The transmission or distribution of electrical power or light.
84.063(1)(b)2.
2. The transmission, distribution or delivery of heat, water, gas, sewer, telegraph or telecommunication services.
84.063(2)(a)(a) If a utility facility is within the right-of-way of a proposed highway improvement, the department shall identify the owner and notify the owner in writing of the proposed improvement.
84.063(2)(b)
(b) Within a specified period after the date the notice is received, the utility facility owner shall provide the department with a description and the general location of each utility facility in the proposed highway improvement right-of-way.
84.063(3)(a)(a) If a utility facility owner provides the information required under sub.
(2), the department shall send the utility facility owner at least one set of available project plans for the proposed highway improvement, including the location of the owner's existing utility facilities.
84.063(3)(b)
(b) Within a specified period after receiving the project plans, the owner shall provide the department with a work plan. The period of time within which the owner is required to provide the department with a work plan shall reflect whether the utility facility owner is required to coordinate its work plan with another utility facility owner. The work plan provided by the owner shall include all of the following:
84.063(3)(b)1.
1. A copy of the project plans that verifies the location of all of the owner's existing utility facilities specified on the plans by the department and that identifies the owners' proposed location of relocated or additional utility facilities within the right-of-way of the proposed improvement.
84.063(3)(b)2.
2. A plan and a schedule of working days necessary to obtain any approval required by a governmental agency and to accomplish any proposed relocation or adjustment required by the proposed improvement.
84.063(3)(c)
(c) The department shall review and approve a work plan submitted under par.
(b) for compliance with permit requirements and to ensure that the plan is reasonable. Approval of a work plan under this paragraph does not waive any requirement for approval of the work plan by any other governmental agency. The utility facility owner shall notify the department when all required approvals have been obtained. After receiving notification that all approvals have been obtained, the department shall notify the owner of the date on which the owner may proceed with its utility facility relocation work.
84.063(3)(d)
(d) The department shall notify the utility facility owner of any change in the highway improvement that requires additional relocation or adjustment of utility facilities. The department and the owner shall agree on a reasonable time to accomplish the additional work.
84.063(4)(a)(a) If additional utility facility relocation or adjustment work is required under sub.
(3) (d), the department shall reimburse the owner for the additional work.
84.063(4)(b)
(b) The project contractor shall be responsible for any damages negligently caused to a utility facility.
84.063(4)(c)
(c) If the utility facility owner fails to comply with sub.
(3), the department or its contractor shall not be liable to the owner for damages to a utility facility resulting from the highway improvement if the department or its contractor complies with s.
182.0175 (2), and the owner shall be liable to the department or its contractor for damages resulting from the failure to comply.
84.063(5)
(5)
Rules. The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this section.
84.063 History
History: 1991 a. 39;
1999 a. 85.
84.063 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See also ch.
Trans 220, Wis. adm. code.
84.065
84.065
Railroad and utility alteration and relocation loan program. 84.065(1)(1)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the state's interest in preserving and improving state trunk and connecting highways by means of a program to provide loans for railroad and public utility alterations and relocations associated with highway improvement projects.
84.065(3)
(3)
Administration. The department shall administer a loan program to assist public utilities and railroads with the costs of utility and railroad alterations and relocations that are associated with state trunk and connecting highway improvement projects and that are not subject to reimbursement by the department. The department shall have all powers necessary and convenient to implement this section, including the following powers:
84.065(3)(a)
(a) To specify conditions of eligibility for loans under this section. Such conditions shall include the requirement that the utility or railroad alteration or relocation must be part of a planned state trunk or connecting highway improvement project.
84.065(3)(b)
(b) To receive applications for loans under this section and to prescribe the form, nature and extent of the information which shall be contained in applications.
84.065(3)(c)
(c) To establish standards for the approval of loans under this section.
84.065(3)(d)
(d) To enter into loan agreements with applicants to ensure the proper use and prompt repayment of loans under this section. The loan agreement shall permit the loan to be repaid without interest before the date on which the contract for the improvement project with which the utility or railroad alteration is associated is awarded. The loan agreement shall require the payment of interest on the outstanding balance of any loan that is not repaid by the date on which that contract is awarded, accruing from the date on which that contract is awarded. Interest shall be charged at a rate equal to the weekly prime rate for the week prior to the date on which the contract is awarded, as reported by the federal reserve board in federal reserve statistical release H. 15, plus 1 percent. The loan agreement shall require repayment of the principal and payment of any accrued interest within one year of the date on which the contract is awarded.
84.065(3)(e)
(e) To audit and inspect the records of loan recipients.
84.065(4)
(4)
Funds. Subject to s.
86.255, the department may make loans under this section from the appropriations under s.
20.395 (3) (bv) and
(cv). The total outstanding balance of loans under this section may not exceed $500,000.
84.065(5)
(5)
Rules. The department may promulgate rules as necessary to implement this section.
84.065 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See also ch.
Trans 30, Wis. adm. code.
84.07
84.07
Maintenance of state trunk highways. 84.07(1)(1)
Routine maintenance. Subject to sub.
(1r), the state trunk highway system shall be maintained by the state at state expense. The department shall prescribe by rule specifications for such maintenance and may contract with any county highway committee or municipality to have all or certain parts of the work of maintaining the state trunk highways within or beyond the limits of the county or municipality, including interstate bridges, performed by the county or municipality, and any county or municipality may enter into such contract. Maintenance activities include the application of protective coatings, the removal and control of snow, the removal, treatment and sanding of ice, interim repair of highway surfaces and adjacent structures, and all other operations, activities and processes required on a regular, continuing basis for the preservation of the highways on the state trunk system, and including the care and protection of trees and other roadside vegetation and suitable planting to prevent soil erosion or to beautify highways pursuant to s.
66.1037, and all routine measures deemed necessary to provide adequate traffic service. Maintenance activities also include the installation, replacement, rehabilitation, or maintenance of highway signs, highway lighting, and pavement markings, and the maintenance of traffic control signals and intelligent transportation systems. The department may contract with a private entity for services or materials or both associated with the installation, replacement, rehabilitation, or maintenance of highway signs, highway lighting, and pavement markings and the maintenance of traffic control signals and intelligent transportation systems.
84.07(1b)
(1b)
Emergency repair and protection of state trunk highways. To accomplish prompt repair, protection or preservation of any state trunk highway which has been closed or is being jeopardized by extraordinary damage by flood, structure failure, slides, or other extraordinary condition of necessity and emergency, the department may, if it is deemed for the best interest of the state, proceed at once to repair or protect the highway with forces and services of private constructors and agencies, summarily engaged by the department and cause said work to be done by negotiated contract or agreement without calling for competitive bids, provided that any such contract or agreement involving an estimated expenditure in excess of $10,000 shall be subject to approval of the governor before it becomes effective.
84.07(1m)
(1m)
Mass transit system, maintenance. When the public mass transportation system uses a state trunk highway, such facilities shall be maintained by the state at state expense in accordance with this section. Maintenance shall be performed within the highway right-of-way, upon facilities and lands within the highway corridor, and upon such terminal and parking facilities as may be reasonably adjacent to the highway corridor.
84.07(1r)
(1r)
Sponsorship agreements. The department may enter into sponsorship agreements under s.
84.01 (36) that require the sponsor to perform maintenance activities, in accordance with the department's standards, for the benefit of the department.
84.07(2)(a)
(a) Except as provided in par.
(b), when any county or municipality maintains the state trunk highways within or beyond the limits of the county or municipality, including interstate bridges, in compliance with the arrangement with the department, the department shall pay the actual cost of the maintenance, including the allowance for materials and the use of county or municipal machinery and overhead expenses agreed upon in advance. Except as provided in par.
(b), the payments shall be made upon presentation by the county highway committee or municipal clerk of a properly itemized and verified account. For payments made under this paragraph, the county highway committee or municipal clerk shall present the itemized accounts for maintenance work no later than one month following the period during which the work is performed.
84.07(2)(b)
(b) When any county or municipality maintains the state trunk highways within or beyond the limits of the county or municipality, including interstate bridges, in compliance with the arrangement with the department, the department and the county or municipality may agree to a payment method and terms other than that specified in par.
(a), including payment according to a contract price for maintenance services rather than payment of the actual cost of the maintenance.
84.07(3)
(3)
Weed control. The highway patrolman shall destroy all noxious weeds as provided in s.
66.0407 on any highway which he or she patrols.
84.07(4)
(4)
Emergency repairs; blocking streets or roads; detours. Except in case of emergency, no city, village or town shall obstruct any street or road over which any state trunk highway is marked unless it first makes arrangements with the department for marking a detour.
84.07(5)
(5)
County highway department maintenance capacity and funding. The department shall work cooperatively with county highway departments to determine an appropriate level of state work sufficient to fully utilize manpower and equipment needed for winter maintenance.
84.07(7)
(7)
Deer killed by vehicles. The department shall establish a program for the removal and disposal of deer killed by vehicles on state trunk highways.
84.07 Note
NOTE: 2003 Wis. Act 214, which affected this section, contains extensive explanatory notes.
