Policies

Driveways

A permit from Kenosha County is required for the construction of a new driveway or any modification to an existing driveway along a County Trunk Highway. Modifications include paving or resurfacing of an existing driveway. For additional information regarding the permitting process, contact the Division of Highways office at 262-857-1870.

CLICK HERE To view the Kenosha County Division of Highways Policies and Requirements for driveways (pdf format).

Mailboxes

CLICK HERE for information regarding mailbox installation and safety (pdf format).

Kenosha County Policy on Mailbox Replacement or Repair

  • The Kenosha County Division of Highways does not replace any damaged mailbox or post unless it has been determined by an authorized Division of Highways representative that the damage was caused by actual physical contact by a Division of Highways piece of equipment. This DOES NOT include damage caused by snow flying off of a plow.
  • If the damage was determined to be caused by the physical contact by a piece of Kenosha County equipment, Kenosha County will replace the mailbox and/or post with a U.S. Postal Service approved mailbox and /or post. A Division of Highways representative will deliver the replacement mailbox and/or post to the owner. Kenosha County will not complete the installation.
  • If the owner uses a decorative mailbox and/or post that meets with the U.S. Postal Service standards and it is damaged by Kenosha County equipment, the owner may file a claim of damages with the County. The damage claim payment is subject to review and approval of the County. The Kenosha County Division of Highways will not replace a damaged decorative mailbox and/or post. Contact the Division of Highways office for further information regarding damage claims (262-857-1870).
  • Decorative mailboxes and/or post that do not meet U.S. Postal Services requirements shall not be installed within the right-of-way of County Trunk Highways.

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Speed Limits

Wisconsin Statutes establish speed limits on County Trunk Highways. Modifications to establish speed limits require an engineering study in accordance with standard traffic-engineering practices. All signing is in conformance with the Wisconsin Statutes and the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Some of the factors involved when establishing speed limits are as follows:

  • Posted at the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic
  • Road characteristics, shoulder condition, grade, alignment and sight distance. Roadside development and environment.
  • Parking practices and pedestrian activity
  • Reported crash experience for at least a 12-month period.

All requests for speed limit studies must be in writing to the Kenosha County Director of Public Works and are subject to approval by the Kenosha County Highway & Parks Committee, the Kenosha County Board and the Kenosha County Executive.


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Stop Signs

It is generally believed that the installation of stop signs at an intersection will result in a decrease in the number of accidents. The installation of stop signs is a very effective traffic control device when used under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians determine who has the right of way. However, the installation of unwarranted stop signs can actually be a detriment to the safe operation of an intersection. Stop signs are installed in compliance with the Wisconsin Statutes and the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Warrants for Stop Signs

  • Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous.
  • Streets entering a through highway or street
  • Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area
  • Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and serious accident record indicates a need for stop control by the stop sign

Warrants for Multiway Stop Signs

  • Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, the multiway stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal installation.
  • An accident problem, as indicated by five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by a multiway stop installation in a 12-month period. Such accidents include right and left turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
  • Minimum traffic volumes
  1. The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and
  2. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour, but
  3. When the 85-percentile approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70 percent of the above requirements.

All requests for stop sign installation must be made in writing to the Kenosha County Director of Public Works and are subject to approval by the Kenosha County Highway & Parks Committee, the Kenosha County Board and the Kenosha County Executive.


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Signs in Highway Right-of-Way

Wisconsin Statutes prohibit all signs except official traffic signs from being placed within the right-of-way of any street or highway. Prohibited signs include but are not limited to advertising, realty, political, rummage sale and directional. Any prohibited sign found by the Kenosha County Division of Highways will be removed and disposed of.