Wisconsin Administrative Code Rustic Roads Board
Here’s a breakdown of the Wisconsin Administrative Code governing the Rustic Roads Board, all contained in Chapter Trans‑RR 1 under the Department of Transportation, effective June 1, 1981 (replacing earlier Chapters RR 1–11) (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov):
🛤️ Chapter Trans‑RR 1 – Rustic Roads
• Trans‑RR 1.01 – Definitions
Defines key terms: “Board” = Rustic Roads Board, “Department” = WisDOT, “Maintaining authority” = county or municipality responsible, “Municipality” = town, city, or village, and descriptions of rustic road signs and placards (law.cornell.edu).
• Trans‑RR 1.02 – Membership of the Board
Establishes the composition of the 10‑member Rustic Roads Board—although statutory authority is found in Wis. Stats. § 15.465(2), creating the board within DOT (codes.findlaw.com).
• Trans‑RR 1.03 – Purpose of the Board
Empowers the Board to designate scenic local roads with outstanding rustic or natural features, aiming to preserve them.
• Trans‑RR 1.04 – Qualifications for Designation
Specifies criteria for rustic roads: scenic/natural qualities, low traffic, minimal planned alterations, a minimum length (typically ≥ 2 miles), looped or connecting segments (en.wikipedia.org).
• Trans‑RR 1.05 – Application Procedures
Details requirements for designation applications: local government resolution, road descriptions, photos, engineering/technical info (en.wikipedia.org).
• Trans‑RR 1.06 – Numbering of Rustic Roads
Designated roads receive sequential numbers prefixed with “R.” (e.g., R1, R2…) (regulations.justia.com).
• Trans‑RR 1.07 – Jurisdiction and Authority
Once designated, local highway authorities maintain rustic roads and have authority akin to other highways—subject to rules defined in this chapter (law.cornell.edu).
• Trans‑RR 1.08 – 1.13 – Maintenance & Operations
Covers general upkeep, roadbed and drainage maintenance, vegetation control, sign maintenance, winter maintenance, and applicable speed limits (maximum 45 mph, can be lower locally) (regulations.justia.com).
• Trans‑RR 1.14 – Speed Limits
Reiterates statutory maximum of 45 mph; local authorities may set lower limits to preserve road character .
• Trans‑RR 1.15 – Land Use Protection
Describes land‑use controls/protection around designated roads to maintain scenic integrity.
• Trans‑RR 1.16 – Utility Installation
Regulates installation of utilities along rustic roads to avoid visual or environmental disruption.
• Trans‑RR 1.17 – Advertising Sign Control
Restricts placement of advertising signs along rustic roads.
• Trans‑RR 1.18 – County Rustic Roads Plans
Requires county-level planning to coordinate and manage rustic road designation and administration.
• Trans‑RR 1.19 – Withdrawal of Designation
Sets criteria and procedures for revoking rustic road status if roads no longer meet standards.
• Trans‑RR 1.20 – Complementary Rustic Features
Encourages identification of additional rustic elements (e.g., pull-outs, vantage points, roadside amenities) to enhance the scenic quality.
• Trans‑RR 1.21 – State Aids
Outlines funding mechanisms and state aid eligibility for certified rustic roads.
✅ Summary
Chapter Trans‑RR 1 establishes a complete regulatory framework for the Rustic Roads Board—defining its makeup, designation criteria, application protocols, maintenance duties, operational standards, and how local authorities and funding are involved.
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