Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Transportation
Chapter Trans 207 - Design and construction of municipal highway bridges in or over navigable streams
Section Trans 207.10 - Construction methods

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง Trans 207.10

Current through February 26, 2024

(1) TEMPORARY NAVIGATIONAL CLEARANCE. In the placement of all construction forms, bracing, and falsework in or over navigable waters, as much clearance as is practicable shall be provided, consistent with the character and volume of navigational traffic and the duration of the construction phase.

(2) TEMPORARY WATERWAY OPENING. Consistent with stream flows reasonably predictable during the time period of use, temporary structures shall have sufficient waterway opening, either inherent in the structure or combined with an overflow area, to prevent damage from back-up of water and downstream siltation due to washout or scouring of temporary facilities.

(3) TEMPORARY EROSION CONTROL. Constructing authorities shall ensure that contractors or municipal employees perform all construction activities in such a way as to minimize the contamination of the stream by silt, debris, or toxic materials. Temporary erosion control measures such as ditch dams, settling ponds, erosion bales, and others shall be used for this purpose. When erosion bales are used, they shall be placed in accordance with Figure 4.

(4) TIMING OF CONSTRUCTION. Construction activities shall be undertaken and planned for completion during such seasons and weather conditions as to minimize adverse impacts on fish spawning activities, flood water elevations, and public recreation activities.

(5) REMOVAL OF OLD STRUCTURES.

(a) Old structures shall be removed if they are no longer to be used for highway purposes unless it is deemed to be in the public interest to leave such structures intact for recreational or other use. In such cases the structure no longer has the legal status of a highway structure. Firm arrangements shall be made for future responsibility and maintenance if structures are to remain in place.

(b)
1. When structures are removed, all substructure units shall be removed to an elevation 2 feet below the groundline remaining after any shaping in above-water areas, and level with the stream bed elevation in submerged areas.

2. Old abutment fills shall be shaped so as to blend into the adjoining terrain.

3. If unusual circumstances appear to warrant leaving old substructure units or abutment fills within the area defined by the ordinary high watermark and at a higher elevation than the stream bed elevation, constructing authorities must notify the department of natural resources and obtain concurrence that to do so is in the public interest.

(6) EXCAVATION AND DISPOSAL OF PEAT, MULCH, OR OTHER UNSUITABLE EMBANKMENT OR FOUNDATION MATERIAL.

(a) Excavation of organic or other material found not suitable to carry embankment loading shall be done in such a manner so as to preclude, as far as practicable, washing of piled-up material into navigable waters. Sufficient crossroad and toe of fill drainage shall be provided to maintain the natural continuity of ground water flow. The extent of lateral upheaval shall be estimated and shall be considered as part of the effects which may necessitate changing locations or taking other mitigating measures.

(b) Organic and unsuitable material may normally be disposed of on the sides of embankments, unless a sensitive or unique environmental situation necessitates removal and disposal on a less sensitive site. Highly polluted or toxic materials excavated must be disposed of under state laws and regulations governing such material.

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