Chapter 84

84.115(2)(b)2. 2. The contract is approved by the appropriate federal authority if, in the judgment of the secretary, such approval is necessary for purposes relating to state eligibility for federal aid.

84.115(3) (3) 

84.115(3)(a) (a) Notwithstanding s. 84.11 (5m), the bridge project specified in sub. (1) shall be funded only from the appropriations under s. 20.395 (3) (cq), (cv), and (cx).

84.115(3)(b) (b) Door County shall contribute $1,500,000 to fund its share of the costs of the bridge project specified in sub. (1). The city of Sturgeon Bay shall acquire lands necessary for rights-of-way and other purposes, and construct or reconstruct as necessary all highway approaches, associated with construction of the bridge specified in sub. (1), but shall not otherwise be required to contribute to the costs of the bridge project specified in sub. (1).

84.115 History History: 2005 a. 25.

84.12 84.12 Interstate bridges.

84.12(1) (1) Eligibility. All bridge projects which include bridges located over any state boundary waters shall be eligible to construction and reconstruction under this section, but such eligibility shall not require that any such project be constructed under this section exclusively or bar any eligible project from construction under any other provision of law that may be applicable. Projects shall include all approaches and embankments, all lands necessary for right-of-way or other purposes, and all other necessary appurtenances. Such bridge projects shall be classified as follows:

84.12(1)(a) (a) Any bridge project not included in par. (b).

84.12(1)(b) (b) Any bridge project so located as to form an interstate connection between the state trunk highway system of this state and the corresponding system of the adjoining state, and where such bridge and approach in the adjoining state is under the jurisdiction of the state highway department of the said state.

84.12(2) (2) Initiation of proceedings.

84.12(2)(a) (a) By county, city, village or town. Proceedings under this section may be initiated by a petition filed with the department by any county, city, village or town in which a portion of the bridge project will be located. The petition shall state that the petitioner desires such construction and the approximate location thereof; and shall further state that, in the opinion of petitioner, such construction is necessary and is a bridge project eligible under this section. The petition shall be duly adopted by the governing body of the county, city, village or town and a certified copy of the petition, as adopted, shall be filed with the department.

84.12(2)(b) (b) By the department. Proceedings under this section may also be initiated by the department on its own motion stating the approximate location of the construction and that it appears to be necessary and to be a bridge project eligible under this section.

84.12(3) (3) Hearing, investigation and negotiations. Within 60 days of the receipt of such a petition or on its own motion, the department shall fix a time and place for a hearing. The department shall give notice and hold the hearing in the manner provided by s. 84.11 (3). The department shall also give notice by registered letter addressed to the transportation department of the adjoining state and to the governing body of the county, and of the city, village or town of the adjoining state in which any portion of the bridge project will be located. The department may make such investigation as it deems necessary and conduct such negotiations with the transportation department and other authorities in the adjoining state as it deems advisable.

84.12(4) (4) Finding, determination, and order. If the department finds that the construction is necessary, and that provision has been made or will be made by the adjoining state or its subdivisions to bear its or their portions of the cost of the project, the department, in cooperation with the state highway department of the adjoining state, shall determine the location thereof, the character and kind of bridge and other construction most suitable at such location, estimate the cost of the project, and determine the respective portions of the estimated cost to be paid by each state and its subdivisions. In the case of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) the department shall further determine the respective portions of the cost to be paid by this state and by its subdivisions which are required to pay portions of the cost. The department, after such hearing, investigation, and negotiations, shall make its finding, determination, and order in writing and file a certified copy thereof with the clerk of each county, city, village, or town in this state in which any part of the bridge project will be located, with the secretary of state, and the secretary of administration and with the state highway department of the adjoining state. The determination of the location set forth in the finding, determination, and order of the department shall be conclusive as to such location and shall constitute full authority for laying out new streets or highways or for any relocations of the highways made necessary for the construction of the project and for acquiring lands necessary for such streets or highways, relocation or construction.

84.12(5) (5) Apportionment of cost. The portion of the cost of such project to be paid by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne as follows:

84.12(5)(a) (a) The cost of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) to be borne by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne by the state and the counties, cities, villages and towns in which any part of the project in this state will be located in the manner and proportion provided by s. 84.11 (5) (a) and (am), 1987 stats.

84.12(5)(b) (b) The cost of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), to be borne by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne by the state; provided that such cost may be shared in the manner and proportion provided in s. 84.11 (5) (b), 1987 stats., by the one or more counties, cities, villages and towns in which any part of the bridge project in this state will be located and by the application and matching of federal aid in the manner and proportion provided in s. 84.11 (5) (b), 1987 stats.

84.12(6) (6) Provision of costs by local units. When the department has made and filed its finding, determination and order favorable to the construction of any bridge project under this section, the governing body of each county, city, village and town of this state required by the order to pay a portion of the cost, in the case of bridge projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a), shall take action at its next regular or special meeting to arrange to provide such portion. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting the clerk of the governing body of the city, village or town shall certify the action of the governing body to the county clerk and the department. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting of the county board the clerk shall certify the action of the county board to the department. In the case of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), when the department shall have made and filed its finding, determination and order favorable to such construction, the governing body of each county, city, village and town in which any part of the bridge project in this state will be located shall take action at its next meeting to determine what amount, if any, shall be offered and paid toward such construction and to arrange to provide any amount so determined upon. Such action shall be certified to the department within 5 days after any such meeting.

84.12(7) (7) Execution and control of work. Subject to the control and supervision over the navigable waters of the state conferred upon the department of natural resources, and the control exercised by the United States, the construction under this section of any bridge project shall be under the joint supervision and control of the department and of the transportation department of the other state concerned. If the transportation department of the other state is not authorized to act jointly with this state in such bridge project arrangements may be made with such subdivisions of the other state as may have proper authority, represented by their proper officers. Control shall be exercised in the manner deemed most expedient by the secretary and such department or by the secretary and the officers of the subdivisions of the other state concerned in the construction. Contracts for the construction of said bridge projects may be made and executed by the secretary and the transportation department of the other state jointly, or jointly by the secretary and such subdivisions of the other state as may participate in the construction, or by appropriate agreement between the parties with respect to financing and control of the work, the authority of either state may contract for all or part of the construction. The secretary may suspend or discontinue proceedings or construction relative to any bridge project at any time in the event any county, city, village or town fails to pay the amount required of it as to any project eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) or offered by it as to any project eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), or in the event the secretary determines that sufficient funds to pay the state’s part of the cost of the bridge project are not available. All moneys available from this state, or its subdivisions, shall be deposited in the state treasury when required by the secretary and shall be paid out only upon the order of the secretary. Moneys deposited by such subdivisions which remain in the state treasury after the completion of such project shall be repaid to the respective subdivisions in the proportion paid in.

84.12(8) (8) Connection with state trunk highway system. To carry out this section the department may add to the state trunk highway system any bridge constructed or purchased under this section, and any road or street eligible to become a portion of the state trunk highway system, which will form the most reasonable and practical connection from such bridge to the state trunk highway system. In such cases limitations on the total mileage included in the state trunk highway system shall not apply.

84.12(9) (9) Construction of interstate toll facilities. Adjoining states may construct toll facilities, including bridges and land crossings over any state boundary waters, under the following terms and conditions:

84.12(9)(a) (a) The bridge construction authority or the state highway authority of the adjoining state shall petition the secretary that such toll bridge construction is necessary because the petitioning state lacks funds sufficient to join with this state in equally sharing the costs of a free bridge. The secretary shall thereupon cause a thorough investigation of the matter to be made including without limitation by enumeration: the suitability and advisability of any proposed location, the financial limitations of the adjoining state and the economic effect of the proposed bridge upon the economy and welfare of this state. The department shall hold a public hearing and give notice thereof by registered letter addressed to the transportation department of the adjoining state and to the governing body of the county, city, village or town of this state and the adjoining state in which any part of the bridge project is proposed to be located. The department shall also publish a class 3 notice, under ch. 985, in the official state newspaper of this state.

84.12(9)(b) (b) The department shall within 60 days after the conclusion of such hearing submit a full report of findings and conclusions to the secretary of transportation and the governor. Such findings and conclusions may be based on evidence secured by the department in any form and is not limited to facts determined from evidence at the public hearing mentioned above. If it is determined that it is in the best interest of the economy and welfare of the state that such bridge be constructed at a location agreeable to the department and the highway department of the adjoining state, and such determination is approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor, the following is authorized:

84.12(9)(b)1. 1. The department is authorized to acquire all necessary lands within this state and build, construct and maintain necessary approaches to the bridge within this state;

84.12(9)(b)2. 2. The department is authorized to make contributions or commitments out of funds available for highway construction in Wisconsin. Contributions shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs of the toll facility, but shall only be made if the findings of the department, as approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor that such contributions are for the best interests of the economy and welfare of this state.

84.12(9)(b)3. 3. The toll bridge shall be exempt from all taxes assessed by this state.

84.12(9)(b)4. 4. All findings and conclusions approved by the secretary of transportation and governor shall be published by a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, in the official state newspaper. The findings and conclusions shall not be subject to administrative review under ch. 227 and shall only be set aside if it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that there is not substantial evidence to sustain the decision of the department as approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor. Action to contest the decision shall be commenced no later than 30 days after the date of publication thereof.

84.12 History History: 1973 c. 336 s. 78; 1977 c. 29 ss. 941, 1654 (8) (a), 1656 (43); 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 490; 2003 a. 33.

84.12 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. NR 320, Wis. adm. code.

84.13 84.13 Purchase of toll bridges.

84.13(1) (1) Any toll bridge eligible to be reconstructed as a free bridge under s. 84.11 or 84.12 may be purchased under such section and made a free bridge, and the procedure in such case, so far as applicable, shall be the same as for the construction or reconstruction of bridges. If the department is unable to agree with the owners of such toll bridge as to purchase price, the toll bridge may be condemned by exercising the right of eminent domain under ch. 32. Any toll bridge so purchased or acquired may be later reconstructed under this chapter in the same manner as other free bridges may be reconstructed.

84.13(2) (2) The department may enter into and consummate agreements with the United States for the acquisition by the United States and subsequent transfer to this state of such toll bridge as provided by 5 Stat. 4071, 23 USC 129, as subsequently amended or supplemented from time to time. Any toll bridge so acquired may be later reconstructed under this chapter in the same manner as other free bridges may be reconstructed.

84.13 History History: 1977 c. 29 ss. 942, 1654 (8) (b); 1981 c. 347 s. 80 (2); 1993 a. 16.

84.135 84.135 Purchase of interstate toll bridges.

84.135(1) (1) The legislature intends by the enactment of this section to provide a means for the ultimate conversion of interstate toll bridges located in part in this state to free bridges. Where any portion of an interstate toll bridge on a route of a state trunk highway is located outside this state, it may be acquired pursuant to the provisions of this section in lieu of the methods of acquisition provided in s. 84.13.

84.135(2) (2) The department, on its own initiative or upon petition adopted by a majority vote of the governing body of a county, town, city or village, may acquire such bridge by purchase or by exercising the right of eminent domain in such court as may have jurisdiction thereof and in accordance with the laws applicable thereto; or, with the consent and approval of the department, and on such terms and conditions as it may prescribe, such right of eminent domain may be exercised by the county, city or other political subdivision in which any part of such interstate toll bridge is located and revenue bonds for the acquisition of such bridge out of tolls may be issued in accordance with the statutes relating to municipal borrowing insofar as the same may be applicable. In acquiring such bridge the department, county, town, city or village may proceed as provided by ch. 32.

84.135(3) (3) Such bridge may be acquired by the department subject to an agreement whereby all or part of the acquisition cost will be advanced to or later paid to the state by a county, town, city or village in which any part of such bridge is located, from the proceeds of revenue bonds or other source, and the department will convey the bridge to such political subdivision. Pursuant to such agreement, such bridge shall be maintained and operated by such political subdivision from the date it is acquired by the state.

84.135(4) (4) If, under the provisions of this section, any bridge is acquired by, or conveyed by the department to a county, town, city or village, such political subdivision shall maintain and operate the same under the direction of the department, charging such tolls as may be fixed by the department. Such tolls shall be used for the maintenance, repair and operation of such bridge and to repay, or provide a sinking fund sufficient to amortize, within a period of not to exceed 20 years from the date of acquisition thereof, the acquisition cost of such bridge, including reasonable interest and financing costs, paid by such political subdivision. After such cost has been repaid, or a sinking fund sufficient for such amortization has been so provided, title to such bridge shall revert to the state and the bridge shall thereafter be maintained and operated by the department free of tolls, as part of the state trunk highway system.

84.135(5) (5) Any acquisition costs incurred by the state pursuant to this section shall be paid from any funds available for the improvement of state trunk highways and connecting highways.

84.135(6) (6) Any such bridge may be acquired, operated, maintained and reconstructed in cooperation with an adjoining state or municipality thereof.

84.135 History History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (3), (8) (a).

84.14 84.14 Bridge construction.

84.14(1) (1) Order of construction. The department shall hold hearings on proposed bridge projects under ss. 84.11 and 84.12 in the order in which they are initiated. The secretary shall allot aid for the construction, reconstruction or purchase of bridges and the department may undertake such projects in the order the secretary deems advisable.

84.14(3) (3) Participation in town bridge construction. Whenever any municipality has participated in the cost of the construction, reconstruction, or purchase of a bridge under s. 84.11 or 84.12, the property in such municipality shall thereafter be subject to taxation by the county for the construction and repair of bridges within the county under s. 82.08.

84.14(4) (4) Legality of proceedings heretofore had. All bridges constructed, reconstructed or purchased pursuant to proceedings initiated by petitions filed with the highway commission prior to September 25, 1929, or by the highway commission on its own motion, under s. 87.02, 1927 stats., s. 87.03, 1927 stats., s. 87.04, 1927 stats., s. 87.05, 1927 stats., or s. 87.055, 1927 stats., as those sections existed prior to September 25, 1929, shall be construed to have been constructed, reconstructed or purchased under s. 84.11 or 84.12, and shall be operated and maintained as provided by s. 84.15.

84.14 History History: 1977 c. 29; 1983 a. 36; 1987 a. 403 s. 256; 2003 a. 214.

84.14 Note NOTE: 2003 Wis. Act 214, which affected this section, contains extensive explanatory notes.

84.15 84.15 Bridges.

84.15(1) (1) Maintenance and operation of intrastate bridges. Except as provided in a jurisdictional transfer agreement under s. 84.16, all matters relating to the maintenance and operation of bridges constructed, reconstructed or purchased under s. 84.11 before August 9, 1989, shall be under the jurisdiction and complete control of the department and the cost of such maintenance and operation thereof shall be the direct obligation of the state. Such portion of the approaches as may be determined by the department shall be considered a part of such bridge for maintenance and operation purposes. The portion of the approaches or highway not considered a part of such bridge for maintenance and operation purposes as determined by the department shall be maintained by the town, city or village in which it lies but this provision shall not diminish or otherwise affect the duty of the county with respect to the county trunk highways or the state with respect to the state trunk highways. Authority is given the department to carry fire or tornado insurance, or both, on bridges where such hazard exists and the premium on such insurance shall be included as a portion of such maintenance and operation costs.

84.15(2) (2) Across bay of Great Lakes. In the case of any intrastate bridge built across a bay of any of the Great Lakes, the maintenance under sub. (1) shall be deemed to include repair or reconstruction necessitated by any accidental damage done to such bridge by vessels using such bay, or some other catastrophe, in which event the department may use for such repair or reconstruction moneys available for the construction of such bridges.

84.15(3) (3) Interstate bridges, Wisconsin’s share. The provisions of this section shall also apply to all interstate bridges constructed, reconstructed or purchased under s. 84.12; and the term “bridge” as used in sub. (1) means Wisconsin’s portion of such interstate bridges.

84.15 History History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (8) (a); 1989 a. 31.

84.16 84.16 Jurisdictional transfers of bridges.

84.16(1) (1) The department may transfer its jurisdiction over bridges constructed, reconstructed or purchased under s. 84.11 before August 9, 1989, or under s. 84.12 to any local unit of government by entering into a jurisdictional transfer agreement with the local unit of government. Deletion of any part of the state trunk highway system under this section may be made without regard to any mileage limitation or procedural requirement imposed under s. 84.02 or chapter 518, laws of 1947.

84.16(2) (2) The jurisdictional transfer agreement must be approved by the department and the governing body of any municipality or county board involved before the transfer of any bridge becomes effective.

84.16(3) (3) A jurisdictional transfer agreement may contain any terms and conditions that the department and the local unit of government may deem necessary regarding maintenance or rehabilitation of any bridge transferred.

84.16 History History: 1989 a. 31.

84.17 84.17 Bridge inspection and inventory.

84.17(1) (1) In this section:

84.17(1)(a) (a) “Highway” means all public ways and thoroughfares specified in s. 340.01 (22).

84.17(1)(b) (b) “Highway bridge” means a bridge on a highway in this state which crosses waterways, other topographical barriers, other highways or railroads.

84.17(1)(c) (c) “Rehabilitating” means making major repairs necessary to restore the structural integrity of a highway bridge or making repairs necessary to correct a major safety defect.

84.17(2) (2) The department shall conduct an inspection and inventory of all highway bridges on the highways in this state. The inspection and inventory of local highway bridges shall be done in consultation with local authorities. The department shall complete the inspection and inventory required under this subsection prior to July 1, 1979, if it is practicable to do so, and in any case prior to December 31, 1980, and shall submit the inspection and inventory report to the federal government in accordance with the provisions of 23 USC 144. The inspection and inventory shall include all highway bridges on any highway in the state. The department shall classify each highway bridge according to its safety, serviceability and necessity for public use and shall determine the cost of rehabilitating the highway bridge or of replacing the highway bridge with a comparable facility. The department shall adopt standards for the highway bridge inspection and inventory program under this subsection.

84.17(3) (3) After the initial inspection and inventory under sub. (2) is completed, all highway bridges in the state shall be inspected on a continuing basis as determined by the department. The department shall establish standards for the continuing inspection program. The responsibility for the continuing inspection program shall be as follows:

84.17(3)(a) (a) The department shall be responsible for inspecting the highway bridges on the state trunk highway system.

84.17(3)(b) (b) Local authorities and other authorities shall be responsible for inspecting highway bridges on highways under their jurisdictions.

84.17 History History: 1979 c. 7.

84.17 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 212, Wis. adm. code.

84.18 84.18 Local bridge program.

84.18(1) (1) Purpose. The local bridge program is created to accelerate the reconstruction or rehabilitation of seriously deteriorating local bridges.

84.18(2) (2) Definitions. In this section:

84.18(2)(a) (a) “Coordinating agency” means the county which coordinates the submission of applications from eligible applicants within the county to the department.

84.18(2)(b) (b) “Eligible applicant” means county, city, village, town or combination thereof.

84.18(2)(c) (c) “Entitlement” means the amount of aids a coordinating agency will be eligible to receive under this section as determined under sub. (5).

84.18(2)(d) (d) “Local bridge” means a bridge which is not on the state trunk highway system or on marked routes of the state trunk highway system designated as connecting highways.

84.18(2)(e) (e) “Local bridge project” means a project for the design and construction or rehabilitation of a seriously deteriorating local bridge and minimum approaches.

84.18(2)(f) (f) “Seriously deteriorating local bridge” means a local bridge exhibiting deficiencies that meet the criteria established by the department.

84.18(3) (3) Administration. The department shall administer a local bridge program which provides an entitlement of funds to the coordinating agency for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of seriously deteriorating local bridges. The department shall provide the same percentage of the cost of a local bridge project as the percent established under 23 USC 144 (f).

84.18(4) (4) Applications. Any eligible applicant may apply to the coordinating agency for funds under this section. A separate application is required for each local bridge project. The application shall describe the specific local bridge project for which funds are to be used. The department shall prescribe the form, nature and extent of information to be contained in the application.

84.18(5) (5) Determination of entitlement. The department shall determine the entitlement to the coordinating agency based upon the ratio between the estimated cost of reconstructing or rehabilitating seriously deteriorating local bridges in that county and the estimated cost of reconstructing or rehabilitating the seriously deteriorating local bridges in the state which are eligible under this section, exclusive of any bridge that is programmed for construction under an order by the department under s. 84.11 (4). The estimated cost of reconstructing or rehabilitating the seriously deteriorating local bridges in the state and individual counties shall be based upon those bridges identified in the inventory of bridges made under s. 84.17.

84.18(6) (6) Execution and control of work. Subject to s. 30.2022 and the control exercised by the United States, the construction under this section of any local bridge project shall be wholly under the supervision and control of the department. The secretary shall make and execute all contracts and have complete supervision over all matters pertaining to such construction and shall have the power to suspend or discontinue proceedings or construction relative to any bridge project at any time in the event any county, city, village or town fails to pay the amount required of it for any project eligible for construction under this section, or if the secretary determines that sufficient funds to pay the state’s part of the cost of such bridge project are not available. All moneys provided by counties, cities, villages and towns shall be deposited in the state treasury, when required by the secretary, and paid out on order of the secretary. Any of the moneys deposited for a project eligible for construction under this section which remain in the state treasury after the completion of the project shall be repaid to the respective county, city, village or town in proportion to the amount each deposited.

84.18(7) (7) Rules. The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.

84.18(8) (8) Exceptions. Nothing in this section prevents any of the following:

84.18(8)(a) (a) Construction or rehabilitation projects under other bridge programs if applicable.

84.18(8)(b) (b) The sharing of the cost under s. 82.08 to fund the local share of a local bridge project.

84.18 History History: 1981 c. 20, 314; 1989 a. 31; 2003 a. 118; 2023 a. 162.

84.18 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 213, Wis. adm. code.

84.185 84.185 Transportation facilities economic assistance and development.

84.185(1) (1) Definitions. In this section: