Wis. Admin. Code Trans § Trans 233.105

Current through November 25, 2024

Section Trans 233.105 - Noise, vision corners and drainage

(1) NOISE. When noise barriers are warranted under the criteria specified in ch. Trans 405, the department is not responsible for any noise barriers for noise abatement from existing state trunk highways or connecting highways. Noise resulting from geographic expansion of the through-lane capacity of a highway is not the responsibility of the owner, user or land divider. In addition, the following notation shall be placed on the land division map:

"The lots of this land division may experience noise at levels exceeding the levels in s. Trans 405.04, Table I. These levels are based on federal standards. The department of transportation is not responsible for abating noise from existing state trunk highways or connecting highways, in the absence of any increase by the department to the highway's through-lane capacity."

Note: Some land divisions will result in facilities located in proximity to highways where the existing noise levels will exceed recommended federal standards. Noise barriers are designed to provide noise protection only to the ground floor of abutting buildings and not other parts of the building. Noise levels may increase over time. Therefore, it is important to have the caution placed on the land division map to warn owners that the department is not responsible for further noise abatement for traffic and traffic increases on the existing highway, in the absence of any increase by the department to the highway's through-lane capacity.

(2) VISION CORNERS. The department may require the owner to dedicate land or grant an easement for vision corners at the intersection of a highway with a state trunk highway or connecting highway to provide for the unobstructed view of the intersection by approaching vehicles. The owner shall have the choice of providing the vision corner by permanent easement or by dedication. If the department requires such a dedication or grant, the owner shall include the following notation on the land division map:

"No structure or improvement of any kind is permitted within the vision corner. No vegetation within the vision corner may exceed 30 inches in height."

Note: Guide dimensions for vision corners are formally adopted in the Department's Facilities Development Manual, Chapter 11, pursuant to s. 227.01(13) (e), Stats.

(3) DRAINAGE. The owner of land that directly or indirectly discharges stormwater upon a state trunk highway or connecting highway shall submit to the department a drainage analysis and drainage plan that assures to a reasonable degree, appropriate to the circumstances, that the anticipated discharge of stormwater upon a state trunk highway or connecting highway following the development of the land is less than or equal to the discharge preceding the development and that the anticipated discharge will not endanger or harm the traveling public, downstream properties or transportation facilities. Various methods of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis consistent with sound engineering judgment and experience and suitably tailored to the extent of the possible drainage problem are acceptable. Land dividers are not required by this subsection to accept legal responsibility for unforeseen acts of nature or forces beyond their control. Nothing in this subsection relieves owners or users of land from their obligations under s. 88.87(3) (b), Stats.

Wis. Admin. Code Department of Transportation Trans 233.105

Cr. Register, January, 1999, No. 517, eff. 2-1-99; am. (1), (2) (intro.) and (3), Register, January, 2001, No. 541, eff. 2-1-01.

In sec. 88.87 (1), Stats., the Legislature has recognized that development of private land adjacent to highways frequently changes the direction and volume of flow of surface waters. The Legislature found that it is necessary to control and regulate the construction and drainage of all highways in order to protect property owners from damage to lands caused by unreasonable diversion or retention of surface waters caused by a highway and to impose correlative duties upon owners and users of land for the purpose of protecting highways from flooding or water damage. Wisconsin law, sec. 88.87 (3), Stats., imposes duties on every owner or user of land to provide and maintain a sufficient drainage system to protect downstream and upstream highways. Wisconsin law, sec. 88.87 (3) (b), Stats., provides that whoever fails or neglects to comply with this duty is liable for all damages to the highway caused by such failure or neglect. The authority in charge of maintenance of the highway may bring an action to recover such damages, but must commence the action within 90 days after the alleged damage occurred. Section 893.59, Stats. Additional guidance regarding drainage may be found in Chapter 13 and Procedure 13-1-1 of the Department's Facilities Development Manual.