Chapter 84

84.1053(2) (2) Upon receipt of sufficient contributions from interested parties, including any county, city, village, or town, to cover the costs of erecting and maintaining markers along the route specified in sub. (1) to clearly identify to motorists the designation of the route as the “Jeannetta Simpson-Robinson Memorial Highway,” the department shall erect and maintain the markers. No state funds, other than from the receipt of contributions under this subsection, may be expended for the erection or maintenance of the markers.

84.1053 History History: 2009 a. 151 s. 1; 2011 a. 260 s. 80.

84.106 84.106 Scenic byways program.

84.106(1g) (1g) Definitions. In this section:

84.106(1g)(a) (a) “Connecting highway” has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (9).

84.106(1g)(b) (b) “Highway” has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (22).

84.106(1g)(c) (c) “Local highways” has the meaning given in s. 86.31 (1) (c) for “local roads.”

84.106(1g)(d) (d) “State trunk highway” has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (60).

84.106(1m) (1m) Designation. The department shall develop, implement, and administer a program to designate highways or portions of highways in this state, including, notwithstanding sub. (2), state trunk highways, connecting highways, and local highways, that have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, or archaeological qualities as scenic byways. The department may seek designation by the federal government of a highway designated as a scenic byway under this section as a national scenic byway or as an All-American Road.

84.106(2) (2) Rules. The department shall promulgate rules under this section consistent with 23 USC 162 and regulations established under that section.

84.106(3) (3) Marking highways. Highways designated as scenic byways under this section may be marked with signs conforming with the manual of uniform traffic control devices adopted by the department under s. 84.02 (4) (e) that identify the highway as a scenic byway. The department shall have exclusive authority to erect these signs, and shall bear all expense in connection with the erection and maintenance of the signs, on state trunk highways. The local authority with jurisdiction over the highway, for maintenance purposes, shall have exclusive authority to erect these signs, and shall bear all expense in connection with the erection and maintenance of the signs, on local highways and connecting highways.

84.106 History History: 1999 a. 9; 2011 a. 147.

84.106 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. Trans 201.23 and ch. Trans 202, Wis. adm. code.

84.107 84.107 Great River Road.

84.107(1) (1) The department shall designate and mark as the “Great River Road” the route in Grant, Crawford, Vernon, La Crosse, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce counties commencing at the Wisconsin-Illinois border and proceeding northerly on STH 35 to its junction with STH 133; then proceeding westerly on STH 133 to its junction with CTH “VV” near Cassville; then proceeding northerly on CTH “VV” to its junction with CTH “A”; then proceeding westerly on CTH “A” to its junction with CTH “X” in Bagley; then proceeding northerly on CTH “X” to its junction with CTH “C”; then proceeding easterly on CTH “C” to its junction with STH 35, with all of the preceding highways in Grant County; then proceeding northerly on STH 35 to its junction with USH 14/61 in La Crosse County; then proceeding northerly on USH 14/61 to its junction with USH 53; then proceeding northerly on USH 53 to its junction with STH 35; then proceeding northerly on STH 35 to its junction with Business 35/CTH “HD” near Holmen; then proceeding northerly on Business 35/CTH “HD” to its junction with STH 35; then proceeding northerly on STH 35 to its junction with USH 10 in Pierce County; and then proceeding westerly on USH 10 to the Wisconsin-Minnesota border.

84.107(2) (2) If the department, after investigations and studies, finds that any proposed Great River Road development is advantageous to the state, it shall have full authority to perform, on behalf of the state, each and every duty required of the state, in order to secure and complete the proposed development project. For the purposes of such development projects, the Great River Road shall be a portion of the state trunk highway system.

84.107 History History: 1993 a. 357.

84.11 84.11 Local bridge construction and reconstruction.

84.11(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

84.11(1)(a) (a) “Construction” includes reconstruction.

84.11(1)(b) (b) “Local bridge” means a bridge which is not on the state trunk highway system or on marked routes of the state trunk highway system designated as connecting highways.

84.11(1g) (1g) Administration. The department shall administer the local bridge construction program and shall have all powers necessary and convenient to implement this section.

84.11(1m) (1m) Eligibility and project extent. Local bridges are eligible for construction under this section. Projects under this section include all approaches and embankments, acquisition of lands necessary for right-of-way or other purposes, and all other necessary appurtenances.

84.11(1r) (1r) Rules. The department shall promulgate rules to implement this section. The rules shall include criteria for selecting and evaluating projects which are eligible for construction under this section.

84.11(2) (2) Initiation of proceedings. Proceedings for the construction of a bridge project under sub. (1m) may be initiated by a petition filed with the department. The petition shall state that the petitioner desires such construction, and the approximate location thereof, and that, in the opinion of petitioner, the construction is necessary and is a bridge project eligible for construction under this section. The petition may be filed by any county, city, village or town. The petition shall be duly adopted by the governing body of the county, city, village or town, and a certified copy of the adopted petition shall be filed with the department.

84.11(3) (3) Hearing. Within 60 days of the receipt of a petition under sub. (2), the department shall fix a time and place for a hearing and give notice of the hearing by publication of a class 2 notice, under ch. 985, in the vicinity of the proposed bridge project. Notice shall also be given by registered letter addressed to the clerks of the counties, cities, villages and towns in which any part of the bridge project will be located. The notice shall also be given to the secretary of natural resources either by registered mail or personally. The hearing may be held in any county, city, village or town in which any part of the bridge project will be located.

84.11(4) (4) Finding, determination, and order. After such hearing the department shall make such investigation as it considers necessary in order to make a decision in the matter. If the department finds that the construction is necessary it shall determine the location of the project and whether the project is eligible for construction under this section. The department shall also determine the character and kind of bridge most suitable for such location and estimate separately the cost of the bridge portion and the entire project. The department shall make its finding, determination, and order, in writing, and file a certified copy thereof with the clerk of each county, city, village, and town in which any portion of the bridge project will be located and also with the secretary of state and the secretary of administration. The determination of the location of the project made by the department and set forth in its finding, determination, and order shall be conclusive as to such location and shall constitute full authority for laying out new streets or highways or for any relocations of highways made necessary for the construction of the project and for acquirement of any lands necessary for such streets or highways, relocation or construction. The estimate of cost made by the department shall be conclusive insofar as cost may determine eligibility of construction under this section.

84.11(5m) (5m) Apportionment of cost. The state shall pay one-third of the cost of projects constructed under sub. (1m), the county or counties in which the bridge project is located shall pay one-third, and the one or more cities, villages and towns in which any part of the bridge project is located shall pay one-third, except that to the extent discretionary federal aid for highways allocated to Wisconsin is used to finance any portion of the cost of the project, the portion of the cost to be borne by the state and any county, city, village or town, respectively, shall be proportionately reduced. The portion to be paid by the counties shall be borne equally by the counties in which the bridge project is located, except that no bridge project shall be considered as located within a county unless an entrance to the bridge proper is wholly or partly within the limits of that county. If a bridge project wholly within one county is located in more than one city, village or town, their respective portions of the cost shall be in proportion to their respective assessed valuations as last equalized by the county board prior to the date of the department’s finding, determination and order. If such cities, villages or towns are located in more than one county, the portion of the cost paid by all cities, villages and towns shall first be apportioned equally according to the number of counties, and then to the cities, villages and towns in each county in proportion to their respective assessed valuations as provided in this subsection.

84.11(5n) (5n) Design-build contracts.

84.11(5n)(a) (a) In this subsection, “design-build contract” means a contract for a project under which the engineering, design and construction services are provided by a single entity.

84.11(5n)(b) (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section and ss. 84.01 (13) and 84.06 (2), the department may enter into a design-build contract for the design and construction of a bridge for which funding is provided under s. 84.11 (5), 1993 stats., and for which no contract for construction is awarded before May 1, 1999. The department may enter into a contract under this paragraph only if all of the following conditions are met:

84.11(5n)(b)1. 1. The design-build contract is awarded through a competitive selection process that utilizes, at a minimum, contractor qualifications, quality, completion time and cost as award criteria. In order to be eligible to participate in the selection process, the contractor must be prequalified by the department as a design consultant and as a contractor.

84.11(5n)(b)2. 2. The design-build contract is approved by the secretary of the federal department of transportation under an experimental program described under section 1307 (d) of P.L. 105-178 pursuant to the authority granted under section 1307 (e) of P.L. 105-178.

84.11(5n)(b)3. 3. The design-build contract is approved by the governor.

84.11(5n)(c) (c) No later than 5 years after October 29, 1999, the department shall submit a report to the governor, and to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), describing the effectiveness of the design-build process contracting procedures under this subsection.

84.11(5r) (5r) Milwaukee 6th Street viaduct cost sharing. Notwithstanding sub. (5m), the costs for any project governed by an agreement that is in effect before June 30, 1993, for which funding is provided under s. 84.11 (5), 1993 stats., and for which no contract for construction is awarded before May 1, 1999, shall be paid as specified in an agreement entered into on or after April 20, 1999, by the city and county in which the bridge is wholly located and this state.

84.11(6) (6) Provision of portions of costs by local units. If the department makes a finding and determination favorable to the construction of any bridge project under this section, it shall issue an order to proceed with the project according to the priorities for projects established under sub. (1r). The governing body of each county, city, village and town required by the order to pay a portion of the cost of the project shall at its next regular or special meeting determine the method and initiate proceedings to provide such portion. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting the governing body of any such city, village or town shall cause its clerk to certify the action of such governing body to the county clerk and the department. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting of the county board the county clerk shall certify the action of the county board to the department. The governing body of any such county, city, village or town, in addition to the portion which it is by such order required to pay, and the governing body of any other county, city, village or town which will be especially benefited by the construction of such bridge may provide all or part of the portion which any county, city, village or town is by such order required to pay or which the state is required to pay.

84.11(6a) (6a) County board action. If any city, village or town which is required by the order of the department to pay a portion of the cost of a bridge project under sub. (1m) fails to comply with sub. (6) and provide the portion of the cost which it is required to pay, or if the city, village or town does not hold a regular or special meeting within 30 days after the date of the department’s finding, determination and order, the county board of the county in which the city, village or town is located may take action to provide such portion, and to assess all or part thereof against the city, village or town as a special tax, in one or more installments as the county board determines. The county clerk shall certify the tax or each installment of the tax to the clerk of the city, village or town, who shall place it in the next tax roll; and it shall be levied, collected and paid into the county treasury as are other county taxes.

84.11(7m) (7m) Execution and control of work. Subject to the control and supervision over the navigable waters of the state conferred by law upon the department of natural resources, and the control exercised by the United States, the construction under this section of any bridge project shall be wholly under the supervision and control of the department. The secretary shall make and execute all contracts and have complete supervision over all matters pertaining to such construction and shall have the power to suspend or discontinue proceedings or construction relative to any bridge project at any time in the event any county, city, village or town fails to pay the amount required of it as to any project under sub. (1m), or in the event the secretary determines that sufficient funds to pay the state’s part of the cost of the bridge project are not available. All moneys provided by counties, cities, villages and towns shall be deposited in the state treasury, when required by the secretary, and paid out on order of the secretary. Any of such moneys deposited for a project eligible for construction under sub. (1m) which remain in the state treasury after the completion of the project shall be repaid to the respective counties, cities, villages and towns in such amounts as to result in the distribution provided in sub. (5m).

84.11(8) (8) Maintenance and operation. The county, city, village or town in which a bridge project is located is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a bridge constructed under this section. Except as provided in a jurisdictional transfer agreement under s. 84.16, this subsection does not apply to a bridge constructed under this section before August 9, 1989.

84.11(9) (9) Exceptions. Nothing in this section prevents construction of a local bridge under other applicable programs.

84.11 History History: 1971 c. 323 s. 27; 1973 c. 336 s. 78; 1975 c. 49; 1977 c. 29 ss. 940, 1654 (8) (a); 1981 c. 346; 1983 a. 27; 1989 a. 31; 1997 a. 252; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 103; 2003 a. 33.

84.11 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. NR 320 and Trans 215, Wis. adm. code.

84.115 84.115 Bridge in Door County.

84.115(1) (1) Notwithstanding ss. 84.11 and 84.14, and subject to sub. (3) (b), the department shall construct a bridge in the city of Sturgeon Bay in Door County that connects upper Door County and lower Door County. Construction of the bridge shall commence not later than one year after July 27, 2005, and prior to reconstruction of the Michigan Street Bridge in the city of Sturgeon Bay in Door County.

84.115(2) (2) 

84.115(2)(a) (a) In this subsection, “design-build procurement process” means a method of contracting for a project under which the engineering, design, and construction services are provided by a single private entity or consortium that is selected as part of a single bidding process for the project.

84.115(2)(b) (b) Notwithstanding ss. 84.01 (13), 84.06 (2), and 84.11 (5n), the department may utilize a design-build procurement process for the project specified in sub. (1) if all of the following conditions are met:

84.115(2)(b)1. 1. The contract is awarded through a competitive selection process that utilizes, at a minimum, contractor qualifications, quality, completion time, and cost as award criteria. To be eligible to participate in the selection process, a bidder must have prior experience in design and construction and must be prequalified by the department as a design consultant and as a contractor.

84.115(2)(b)2. 2. The contract is approved by the appropriate federal authority if, in the judgment of the secretary, such approval is necessary for purposes relating to state eligibility for federal aid.

84.115(3) (3) 

84.115(3)(a) (a) Notwithstanding s. 84.11 (5m), the bridge project specified in sub. (1) shall be funded only from the appropriations under s. 20.395 (3) (cq), (cv), and (cx).

84.115(3)(b) (b) Door County shall contribute $1,500,000 to fund its share of the costs of the bridge project specified in sub. (1). The city of Sturgeon Bay shall acquire lands necessary for rights-of-way and other purposes, and construct or reconstruct as necessary all highway approaches, associated with construction of the bridge specified in sub. (1), but shall not otherwise be required to contribute to the costs of the bridge project specified in sub. (1).

84.115 History History: 2005 a. 25.

84.12 84.12 Interstate bridges.

84.12(1) (1) Eligibility. All bridge projects which include bridges located over any state boundary waters shall be eligible to construction and reconstruction under this section, but such eligibility shall not require that any such project be constructed under this section exclusively or bar any eligible project from construction under any other provision of law that may be applicable. Projects shall include all approaches and embankments, all lands necessary for right-of-way or other purposes, and all other necessary appurtenances. Such bridge projects shall be classified as follows:

84.12(1)(a) (a) Any bridge project not included in par. (b).

84.12(1)(b) (b) Any bridge project so located as to form an interstate connection between the state trunk highway system of this state and the corresponding system of the adjoining state, and where such bridge and approach in the adjoining state is under the jurisdiction of the state highway department of the said state.

84.12(2) (2) Initiation of proceedings.

84.12(2)(a) (a) By county, city, village or town. Proceedings under this section may be initiated by a petition filed with the department by any county, city, village or town in which a portion of the bridge project will be located. The petition shall state that the petitioner desires such construction and the approximate location thereof; and shall further state that, in the opinion of petitioner, such construction is necessary and is a bridge project eligible under this section. The petition shall be duly adopted by the governing body of the county, city, village or town and a certified copy of the petition, as adopted, shall be filed with the department.

84.12(2)(b) (b) By the department. Proceedings under this section may also be initiated by the department on its own motion stating the approximate location of the construction and that it appears to be necessary and to be a bridge project eligible under this section.

84.12(3) (3) Hearing, investigation and negotiations. Within 60 days of the receipt of such a petition or on its own motion, the department shall fix a time and place for a hearing. The department shall give notice and hold the hearing in the manner provided by s. 84.11 (3). The department shall also give notice by registered letter addressed to the transportation department of the adjoining state and to the governing body of the county, and of the city, village or town of the adjoining state in which any portion of the bridge project will be located. The department may make such investigation as it deems necessary and conduct such negotiations with the transportation department and other authorities in the adjoining state as it deems advisable.

84.12(4) (4) Finding, determination, and order. If the department finds that the construction is necessary, and that provision has been made or will be made by the adjoining state or its subdivisions to bear its or their portions of the cost of the project, the department, in cooperation with the state highway department of the adjoining state, shall determine the location thereof, the character and kind of bridge and other construction most suitable at such location, estimate the cost of the project, and determine the respective portions of the estimated cost to be paid by each state and its subdivisions. In the case of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) the department shall further determine the respective portions of the cost to be paid by this state and by its subdivisions which are required to pay portions of the cost. The department, after such hearing, investigation, and negotiations, shall make its finding, determination, and order in writing and file a certified copy thereof with the clerk of each county, city, village, or town in this state in which any part of the bridge project will be located, with the secretary of state, and the secretary of administration and with the state highway department of the adjoining state. The determination of the location set forth in the finding, determination, and order of the department shall be conclusive as to such location and shall constitute full authority for laying out new streets or highways or for any relocations of the highways made necessary for the construction of the project and for acquiring lands necessary for such streets or highways, relocation or construction.

84.12(5) (5) Apportionment of cost. The portion of the cost of such project to be paid by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne as follows:

84.12(5)(a) (a) The cost of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) to be borne by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne by the state and the counties, cities, villages and towns in which any part of the project in this state will be located in the manner and proportion provided by s. 84.11 (5) (a) and (am), 1987 stats.

84.12(5)(b) (b) The cost of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), to be borne by this state and its subdivisions shall be borne by the state; provided that such cost may be shared in the manner and proportion provided in s. 84.11 (5) (b), 1987 stats., by the one or more counties, cities, villages and towns in which any part of the bridge project in this state will be located and by the application and matching of federal aid in the manner and proportion provided in s. 84.11 (5) (b), 1987 stats.

84.12(6) (6) Provision of costs by local units. When the department has made and filed its finding, determination and order favorable to the construction of any bridge project under this section, the governing body of each county, city, village and town of this state required by the order to pay a portion of the cost, in the case of bridge projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a), shall take action at its next regular or special meeting to arrange to provide such portion. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting the clerk of the governing body of the city, village or town shall certify the action of the governing body to the county clerk and the department. Within 5 days after the adjournment of such meeting of the county board the clerk shall certify the action of the county board to the department. In the case of projects eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), when the department shall have made and filed its finding, determination and order favorable to such construction, the governing body of each county, city, village and town in which any part of the bridge project in this state will be located shall take action at its next meeting to determine what amount, if any, shall be offered and paid toward such construction and to arrange to provide any amount so determined upon. Such action shall be certified to the department within 5 days after any such meeting.

84.12(7) (7) Execution and control of work. Subject to the control and supervision over the navigable waters of the state conferred upon the department of natural resources, and the control exercised by the United States, the construction under this section of any bridge project shall be under the joint supervision and control of the department and of the transportation department of the other state concerned. If the transportation department of the other state is not authorized to act jointly with this state in such bridge project arrangements may be made with such subdivisions of the other state as may have proper authority, represented by their proper officers. Control shall be exercised in the manner deemed most expedient by the secretary and such department or by the secretary and the officers of the subdivisions of the other state concerned in the construction. Contracts for the construction of said bridge projects may be made and executed by the secretary and the transportation department of the other state jointly, or jointly by the secretary and such subdivisions of the other state as may participate in the construction, or by appropriate agreement between the parties with respect to financing and control of the work, the authority of either state may contract for all or part of the construction. The secretary may suspend or discontinue proceedings or construction relative to any bridge project at any time in the event any county, city, village or town fails to pay the amount required of it as to any project eligible to construction under sub. (1) (a) or offered by it as to any project eligible to construction under sub. (1) (b), or in the event the secretary determines that sufficient funds to pay the state’s part of the cost of the bridge project are not available. All moneys available from this state, or its subdivisions, shall be deposited in the state treasury when required by the secretary and shall be paid out only upon the order of the secretary. Moneys deposited by such subdivisions which remain in the state treasury after the completion of such project shall be repaid to the respective subdivisions in the proportion paid in.

84.12(8) (8) Connection with state trunk highway system. To carry out this section the department may add to the state trunk highway system any bridge constructed or purchased under this section, and any road or street eligible to become a portion of the state trunk highway system, which will form the most reasonable and practical connection from such bridge to the state trunk highway system. In such cases limitations on the total mileage included in the state trunk highway system shall not apply.

84.12(9) (9) Construction of interstate toll facilities. Adjoining states may construct toll facilities, including bridges and land crossings over any state boundary waters, under the following terms and conditions:

84.12(9)(a) (a) The bridge construction authority or the state highway authority of the adjoining state shall petition the secretary that such toll bridge construction is necessary because the petitioning state lacks funds sufficient to join with this state in equally sharing the costs of a free bridge. The secretary shall thereupon cause a thorough investigation of the matter to be made including without limitation by enumeration: the suitability and advisability of any proposed location, the financial limitations of the adjoining state and the economic effect of the proposed bridge upon the economy and welfare of this state. The department shall hold a public hearing and give notice thereof by registered letter addressed to the transportation department of the adjoining state and to the governing body of the county, city, village or town of this state and the adjoining state in which any part of the bridge project is proposed to be located. The department shall also publish a class 3 notice, under ch. 985, in the official state newspaper of this state.

84.12(9)(b) (b) The department shall within 60 days after the conclusion of such hearing submit a full report of findings and conclusions to the secretary of transportation and the governor. Such findings and conclusions may be based on evidence secured by the department in any form and is not limited to facts determined from evidence at the public hearing mentioned above. If it is determined that it is in the best interest of the economy and welfare of the state that such bridge be constructed at a location agreeable to the department and the highway department of the adjoining state, and such determination is approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor, the following is authorized:

84.12(9)(b)1. 1. The department is authorized to acquire all necessary lands within this state and build, construct and maintain necessary approaches to the bridge within this state;

84.12(9)(b)2. 2. The department is authorized to make contributions or commitments out of funds available for highway construction in Wisconsin. Contributions shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs of the toll facility, but shall only be made if the findings of the department, as approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor that such contributions are for the best interests of the economy and welfare of this state.

84.12(9)(b)3. 3. The toll bridge shall be exempt from all taxes assessed by this state.

84.12(9)(b)4. 4. All findings and conclusions approved by the secretary of transportation and governor shall be published by a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, in the official state newspaper. The findings and conclusions shall not be subject to administrative review under ch. 227 and shall only be set aside if it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that there is not substantial evidence to sustain the decision of the department as approved by the secretary of transportation and the governor. Action to contest the decision shall be commenced no later than 30 days after the date of publication thereof.

84.12 History History: 1973 c. 336 s. 78; 1977 c. 29 ss. 941, 1654 (8) (a), 1656 (43); 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 490; 2003 a. 33.

84.12 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. NR 320, Wis. adm. code.

84.13 84.13 Purchase of toll bridges.

84.13(1) (1) Any toll bridge eligible to be reconstructed as a free bridge under s. 84.11 or 84.12 may be purchased under such section and made a free bridge, and the procedure in such case, so far as applicable, shall be the same as for the construction or reconstruction of bridges. If the department is unable to agree with the owners of such toll bridge as to purchase price, the toll bridge may be condemned by exercising the right of eminent domain under ch. 32. Any toll bridge so purchased or acquired may be later reconstructed under this chapter in the same manner as other free bridges may be reconstructed.

84.13(2) (2) The department may enter into and consummate agreements with the United States for the acquisition by the United States and subsequent transfer to this state of such toll bridge as provided by 5 Stat. 4071, 23 USC 129, as subsequently amended or supplemented from time to time. Any toll bridge so acquired may be later reconstructed under this chapter in the same manner as other free bridges may be reconstructed.

84.13 History History: 1977 c. 29 ss. 942, 1654 (8) (b); 1981 c. 347 s. 80 (2); 1993 a. 16.

84.135 84.135 Purchase of interstate toll bridges.

84.135(1) (1) The legislature intends by the enactment of this section to provide a means for the ultimate conversion of interstate toll bridges located in part in this state to free bridges. Where any portion of an interstate toll bridge on a route of a state trunk highway is located outside this state, it may be acquired pursuant to the provisions of this section in lieu of the methods of acquisition provided in s. 84.13.

84.135(2) (2) The department, on its own initiative or upon petition adopted by a majority vote of the governing body of a county, town, city or village, may acquire such bridge by purchase or by exercising the right of eminent domain in such court as may have jurisdiction thereof and in accordance with the laws applicable thereto; or, with the consent and approval of the department, and on such terms and conditions as it may prescribe, such right of eminent domain may be exercised by the county, city or other political subdivision in which any part of such interstate toll bridge is located and revenue bonds for the acquisition of such bridge out of tolls may be issued in accordance with the statutes relating to municipal borrowing insofar as the same may be applicable. In acquiring such bridge the department, county, town, city or village may proceed as provided by ch. 32.

84.135(3) (3) Such bridge may be acquired by the department subject to an agreement whereby all or part of the acquisition cost will be advanced to or later paid to the state by a county, town, city or village in which any part of such bridge is located, from the proceeds of revenue bonds or other source, and the department will convey the bridge to such political subdivision. Pursuant to such agreement, such bridge shall be maintained and operated by such political subdivision from the date it is acquired by the state.

84.135(4) (4) If, under the provisions of this section, any bridge is acquired by, or conveyed by the department to a county, town, city or village, such political subdivision shall maintain and operate the same under the direction of the department, charging such tolls as may be fixed by the department. Such tolls shall be used for the maintenance, repair and operation of such bridge and to repay, or provide a sinking fund sufficient to amortize, within a period of not to exceed 20 years from the date of acquisition thereof, the acquisition cost of such bridge, including reasonable interest and financing costs, paid by such political subdivision. After such cost has been repaid, or a sinking fund sufficient for such amortization has been so provided, title to such bridge shall revert to the state and the bridge shall thereafter be maintained and operated by the department free of tolls, as part of the state trunk highway system.

84.135(5) (5) Any acquisition costs incurred by the state pursuant to this section shall be paid from any funds available for the improvement of state trunk highways and connecting highways.

84.135(6) (6) Any such bridge may be acquired, operated, maintained and reconstructed in cooperation with an adjoining state or municipality thereof.