Beyond the Highway. Trails and trails. Tom Beekman, P.E. Northwest Regional Planning Chief Department of Transportation

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1 Beyond the Highway Trails and trails Tom Beekman, P.E. Northwest Regional Planning Chief Department of Transportation Beyond the Highway December 01, 2015 Trego, WI Gary Brunner, P.E. Northwest Regional Operations Chief Department of Transportation

2 Wisconsin DOT and Trails Big T and Little t trails WisDOT funds for trails Non-motorized and motorized trails.

3 Big T vs. Little t Big T rails Permanent Project interactions Statutorily recognized 4f, 6f Rails-to-trails

4 Rails to Trails WisDOT has right of first refusal on rail lines with discontinued rail service. Keep state rail service Rails-to-trails Abandon to non-rail purpose ownership. Wisconsin has been converting rails into trails since 1964 and currently has more than 300 miles of trail on rail corridors more than any other state.

5 Big T vs. Little t Little t rails Embedded in highway infrastructure Accommodated in right-of-way Non-4f/6f Many are temporary

6 Little t is Embedded in Process STAND ALONE TRAIL Red Cliff Reservation Bayfield County SIDEWALKS SHARED USE TRAIL AND CROSSINGS

7 Little t is Embedded in Process RESULTS Linked to MORE THAN $30 Million in Additional Community Investments

8 WisDOT Programs Transportation Alternatives Program Non-motorized and local maintaining authority Safe Routes to School Program, Transportation Enhancements, Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Program Program Cycle Approximately $7 Million in Federal Funds Applications due - January 29, Awards announced - Summer Next opportunity

9 WisDOT Programs WisDOT allocates approximately $2 million annually to WisDNR for its Recreational Trails Program. Motorized ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Non-Motorized Bike, Pedestrian

10 Motorized Trails IN GENERAL, ATV/UTVs are not allowed to ride on or next to roads (ditches) the same way snowmobilers do. Operation on and around public roads is restricted and in most cases illegal. There is no residential access allowance that permits riding on a roadway from a dwelling to the nearest trail or route.

11 Motorized Trails ATVs are allowed to cross roadways when traveling on an existing roadway. Also, most existing driveways have been issued a permit. Therefore, WisDOT permits are not required in the following situations since vehicular crossings already exist: At county, town or local road crossings. For example, ATV routes and trails crossing STHs. From a driveway on one side to a local road on the other side (or vice-versa). From a driveway on one side to a driveway on the other side.

12 Motorized Trails Authorized Uses for Operating on Roadways To cross a roadway, if it is done in the most direct manner practicable, and if it is made at a place where no obstruction prevents a safe and quick crossing. On any roadway that is seasonally not maintained for motor vehicle traffic. On roadways designated as ATV routes. If ATV is used as implement of husbandry. The operator holds a Class A or B permit under Wis. Stat (2) and is traveling for hunting. On roadways or highways that are ATV trails.

13 Motorized Trails Routes vs. Trails ATV route - designated for use by ATV operators by the governmental agency having jurisdiction, on the roadway portion of a highway. ATV trail - designated for use by ATV operators by the governmental agency having jurisdiction, but excluding roadways of highways. (except roadways not seasonally maintained for motor vehicle traffic) The DNR has jurisdiction for encouraging and supervising a system of ATV routes and trails, and establishing standards

14 Motorized Trails Requirements for Routes and Trails on State Highways Requestor must be local government Location details Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between WisDOT and local government County and C-V-T ordinances designating route Must support DNR ATV route/trail network No short segments to only serve businesses. Signing and pavement markings paid by locals

15 Local Ordinances Local governments may enact ordinances to operate an ATV on the roadway or shoulder of any highway to cross a bridge 1,000 feet in length or less. Even though the statute gives local units of government this right, WisDOT may determine that due to safety and operational factors for both ATV and roadway users, an ATV trail must be built to and from the bridge instead of allowing ATVs to travel on the roadway or shoulder.

16 Local Ordinances

17 Questions? Tom Beekman, P.E. Northwest Regional Planning Chief (715) Gary Brunner, P.E. Northwest Regional Operations Chief (715)