Assembly Bill 334 mandates that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish bikeways and pedestrian ways in all new highway construction and reconstruction projects funded by state or federal funds, a policy known as "complete streets." This requirement replaces the previous standard, which only required DOT to give due consideration to such facilities, and it introduces specific criteria under which exceptions to this requirement can be made. The bill also grants the DOT rule-making authority to define these exceptions, which can only be based on specified criteria, such as excessive costs or lack of community need.

The bill repeals certain existing provisions that allowed for more lenient considerations regarding the establishment of bikeways and pedestrian ways. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement for municipal approval for state-funded projects and replaces it with a more stringent obligation for the DOT to ensure the inclusion of these facilities. The new language emphasizes the importance of accommodating non-motorized transportation in highway projects, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive transportation planning.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 84.01(35)(b), 84.01