SEGMENT OF HWY. 13 MAY BECOME AN ATV/UTV TRAIL IN PHILLIPS

[My Northern Wisconsin]

   

At the city meeting in March 2024, there was discussion regarding a request to open Highway 13, from County Road F and South Airport Road to Fayette Street, for the ATV/UTV route.

Tyler Weber from an ATV club, and Jim Heizler who is the trail coordinator, were at the meeting to discuss the idea and answer questions.

Alderman Richard Heitkemper felt having this area designated for use by ATVs and UTVs would benefit the community and bring people from the northern part of the city by giving them more direct access to the city instead of going around the industrial park.

City Attorney Bryce Schoenborn discussed three statutory requirements that must be met to allow such use.  He stated the route cannot be part of the national highway system of defense highways, there must be a speed limit of 35 MPH or less, and it has to be in the city's jurisdiction.

Alderman John Klimowski stated the speed limit was 40 MPH for traffic in that area.  Dick Heitkemper stated a request would need to be made of the state to get the speed limit reduced.  However, Clerk Shelby Kosmer stated that in 2018 when there was interest in trying to open this area to ATVs and UTVs, the DOT denied the request to lower the speed limit.

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Tyler Weber stated there is a way around the 35 MPH speed if the city and county would approve an ordinance.  Tyler also gave the council a packet with information about the trail route along with a sample ordinance that was enacted by the Town of Bradley.

Chief Hauschild expressed concerns because there would be an influx of traffic during certain times, such as when school gets out every afternoon and when local manufacturing businesses have shift changes.  He suggested the council shut down such a trail if it became a traffic issue.
 
Aldermen Bill Elliott and John Klimowski motioned to recommend moving forward with an ordinance to open State Highway 13 for the ATV/UTV route going from County Road F and South Airport Road to Fayette Street.  The motion carried 6-0.

On the agenda for the Tuesday, April 9, 2024 meeting, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the council room at the municipal hall, there is discussion and possible action regarding the draft ordinance for the ATV/UTV route and bridge crossing from the intersection of County Road F and Fayette Street on Hwy 13.




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