HB 16-1155 Summary

• Counties with a population of 250,000 or more may designate four-lane controlled-access highways constructed starting in 2016 as primary roads if they intersect with interstate highways or US numbered highways.

• When a city or town annexes a portion of a designated primary road, the city/town gains full responsibility for road surface, curbs, shoulders, maintenance, street lighting, storm sewer cleaning, traffic enforcement, and underground facility maintenance at its own expense.

• The county retains authority to grant or deny access to the highway, establish vehicle weight restrictions, prohibit overhead signs/banners up to 20 feet, erect route markers and directional signs, install and control traffic control signals, and maintain storm sewers without cost.

• Either the county or city/town may acquire rights-of-way through purchase, gift, or condemnation, with costs and title ownership determined by mutual agreement between parties.

• The bill takes effect August 10, 2016, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2016 general election.