Programs

Help keep Wisconsin's roadsides beautiful!

Adopt-A-Highway Group Responsibilities
Under the program, each qualified group of volunteers takes responsibility for litter control on a segment of State Trunk Highway (STH) and County Trunk Highway (CTH). The group picks up litter on this segment at least three times per year between April 1 and November. Whenever possible, the AAH group should coordinate its litter control activities with the county mowing schedule so that litter is picked up before mowing occurs. Litter, for this purpose, is defined as any object that should not be on the right-of-way. However, AAH groups should not pick up hazardous materials, large objects or animal carcasses.
AAH groups do not work on divided highway medians or bridges, in tunnels, on overpasses, or around other structures dangerous for volunteers. The Adopt-A-Highway program emphasizes safety. Volunteers are encouraged to adhere to safety best practices.

Regional Signing: Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs and White Arrow Boards

Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) provide motorists with directional information for qualifying tourist-related businesses, services or activities. Tourist-related businesses, whose major portion of income or visitors is derived from visitors who do not reside in the immediate area where the business is located, qualify for TODS. The business cannot have direct access to a state or U.S. highway but must be located within five miles of the state or U.S. highway on which TODS are to be installed.

White arrow boards (WAB) provide motorists with directional information for qualifying tourist-related businesses, services or activities and are intended to direct tourists to the entrance of the facility or onto a local road where the facility is located. White arrow boards are only permitted on state highways closest to the facility. Only the name of the facility is allowed on the sign.

What’s the difference between Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) and White Arrow Boards (WAB)?

White Arrow Boards are an alternative to the TODS program that offers an additional signing option for some facilities that may not qualify for TODS. Regarding material differences, TODS are reflective and WAB are non-reflective. As such, when a facility and location may be eligible for both sign programs, TODS are the preferred option. There are also differences in program costs, the application process, and location eligibility. In addition, whereas TODS are generally eligible to be erected on all non-SIS-designated routes, WAB are limited to conventional highways and expressways at at-grade intersections (cannot be posted on expressways with ramp interchanges or on freeways).