Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Transportation
Chapter Trans 212 - Standards For The Inspection Of Bridges In Wisconsin
Section Trans 212.12 - County status under department direction

When a county highway commissioner of a county containing a bridge that has failed to be inspected, posted, or closed receives notice and direction from the department to perform the inspection, perform the interim inspection, keep records, post or close the bridge, the county is the agent of the local authority that has failed to fulfill its responsibilities. No liability is assumed by the county in carrying out the department's direction. Any liability associated with the county's action in following the department's direction is imputed to the local authority with maintenance responsibility for the bridge.