Richland County panel approves rural classification changes for two highways
Summary
The Public Works Committee approved a resolution downgrading Highway 56 and a segment of County Highway Q from 'major arterial' to 'major collector' after 2025 traffic counts showed reduced daily traffic; the resolution will be forwarded to the full county board for federal/state recognition.
The Richland County Public Works Committee voted to approve changes to the county’s rural functional classification, formally recommending that Highway 56 and a segment of County Highway Q be reclassified from "major arterial" to "major collector." The committee chair moved the resolution and members approved it by voice vote.
County highway staff explained the reclassification follows this year’s traffic counts and aligns with state and federal classification protocols determining eligibility for particular funding streams. Speaker 6 said the changes reflect lower average daily traffic on those segments and that federal reporting requires counties to submit a resolution recognizing the classification adjustments.
The committee’s action does not immediately alter maintenance schedules; staff noted classification influences which funding pools and cost-share opportunities a road may qualify for, and may affect economic-development assessments used by potential private-sector investors.
The resolution will be forwarded to the full Richland County Board for final transmittal to the Wisconsin state and federal authorities that manage the rural functional classification system.
