[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 78 (Monday, April 22, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17566-17572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9559]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 625

[FHWA Docket No. 95-12]
RIN 2125-AD38


Design Standards for Highways; Geometric Design of Highways and 
Streets

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Interim final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Highway System (NHS) was established by the 
National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 
Stat. 568). To reflect the establishment of the NHS, the FHWA is 
revising several areas of the text in its regulation governing design 
standards for highways; updating the listing of standards; relocating 
the guides and references; and adopting as its interim

[[Page 17567]]

policy for the design standards which apply to highway construction and 
reconstruction projects on the NHS, a 1994 revision of the American 
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) 
publication, ``A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets'' 
(Policy). The primary reason for development of the new Policy was to 
convert the numerical values in AASHTO's 1990 Policy to the metric 
system (SI). With the recent enactment of the National Highway System 
Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 Stat. 568), conversion to 
the metric system by the States now must take place by September 30, 
2000. Almost all of the States are continuing their conversion to 
metric to meet the previously established deadline of September 30, 
1996. This regulation will assure the States and other FHWA partners 
that the metric conversions used to formulate their plans will be 
consistent with the values adopted by the FHWA.

DATES: This interim final rule is effective May 22, 1996. Comments must 
be received on or before June 21, 1996. The incorporation by reference 
of certain publications listed in the regulation is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of November 7, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit written, signed comments to FHWA Docket No. 95-12, 
Federal Highway Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, Room 4232, 
HCC-10, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. All comments 
received will be available for examination at the above address between 
8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments must 
include a self-addressed stamped postcard. The current design standards 
are on file at the Office of the Federal Register in Washington, DC, 
and are available for inspection and copying from the FHWA Washington 
Headquarters and all FHWA Division and Regional Offices as prescribed 
in 49 CFR Part 7, appendix D. Copies of the current AASHTO publications 
are also available for purchase from the American Association of State 
Highway and Transportation Officials, suite 249, 444 North Capitol 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Seppo I. Sillan, Geometric and 
Roadside Design Branch, Federal-Aid and Design Division, Office of 
Engineering (202) 366-0312, or Mr. Wilbert Baccus, Office of Chief 
Counsel (202) 366-0780, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh 
Street SW., Washington DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 
4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The text changes in 23 CFR part 625 reflect 
the establishment of the National Highway System (NHS) by the National 
Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 Stat. 568) 
(NHS Act) as the basic highway network in the United States. References 
to ``Federal-aid highway projects'' have accordingly been changed to 
``NHS projects.'' The standards, policies, and standard speci- 
fications that have been approved by the FHWA for application on all 
projects on the NHS are incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 625.
    Section 625.3(d) of the rule provides that these Federal design 
standards apply to all projects on the NHS, regardless of funding 
source. Under prior law, Federal standards applied to most projects 
solely as a condition of receipt of Federal grant funds. The change, 
applying Federal standards even to NHS projects wholly funded by a 
State, is based on provisions in both the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914) 
(ISTEA) and the NHS Act, and is consistent with the purpose for which 
the NHS was established. In 23 U.S.C. 109(c), as amended by Sec. 304 of 
the NHS Act, the Secretary is required, in cooperation with the State 
highway departments, to approve design and construction standards on 
the NHS. These provisions mirror the language and assignment of 
responsibility appearing in 23 U.S.C. 109(b), which has long been 
interpreted to require the Secretary to establish design standards for 
the Interstate System without regard for funding source. In expanding 
the Secretary's authority to all roads on the NHS, Congress sought to 
accommodate interstate commerce by ensuring a uniform, safe, 
interconnected system of principal arterial routes.
    Federal-aid projects not on the NHS are to be designed, 
constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, 
regulations, directives, safety standards, design standards, and 
construction standards. This change implements section 1016(d) of the 
ISTEA, which added a new subsection (p) to 23 U.S.C. 109 requiring non-
NHS projects to meet State standards.
    The AASHTO is an organization which represents the 52 State highway 
and transportation agencies (including the District of Columbia and 
Puerto Rico). Its members consist of the duly constituted heads and 
other chief officials of those agencies. The Secretary of the United 
States Department of Transportation (DOT) is an ex officio member, and 
DOT officials participate in various AASHTO activities as nonvoting 
representatives. Among other functions, the AASHTO develops and issues 
standards, specifications, policies, guides and related materials for 
use by the States for highway projects. Many of the standards, policies 
and standard specifications approved by the FHWA and incorporated in 23 
CFR 625 were developed and issued by the AASHTO. Revisions made to such 
documents by the AASHTO are independently reviewed and adopted by the 
FHWA before they are applied to NHS projects.
    Recently the AASHTO revised the publication ``A Policy on Geometric 
Design of Highways and Streets'' (Policy). The primary reason for 
development of the new document was to convert the numerical values in 
the 1990 Policy to the metric system (SI). The FHWA's Metric Conversion 
Policy, published in the Federal Register on June 11, 1992, provided 
that newly authorized Federal-aid construction contracts must be only 
in metric units by September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to 
be changed to September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted 
NHS Act, almost all of the States are continuing their conversion to 
metric to meet the previously established deadline of September 30, 
1996. This rulemaking is intended to assure the States and other FHWA 
partners that the metric conversions used to formulate their plans will 
be consistent with the values adopted by the FHWA. Another reason for 
revising the Policy is to provide the latest design criteria. A more 
detailed discussion of the changes in the revised Policy is included 
later in this preamble.
    In 1992, the FHWA initiated a phased 5-year plan to convert its 
activities and business operations to the metric system of weights and 
measures, as required by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, Pub. L. 
100-418, 102 Stat. 1107, 1451 (Metric Act). Section 3 of this Act set a 
deadline date of September 30, 1992, for each Federal Government agency 
to begin using International System of Units (SI) in procurements, 
grants, and other business-related activities, except to the extent 
that such use is impractical or would likely cause significant 
inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms.
    In order to comply with the Metric Act, the FHWA developed a list 
of deadlines for converting to the metric system, which was published 
on June

[[Page 17568]]

11, 1992, at 57 FR 24843. This notice established that all newly 
authorized Federal-aid contracts must use only metric units by 
September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to be changed to 
September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted NHS Act, almost 
all of the States are continuing their conversion to metric to meet the 
previously established deadline of September 30, 1996. In order to 
comply with the above deadline, and because it often takes several 
years between the time when designs are initiated and when projects are 
authorized, States have already begun to design projects using the 
metric system. Accordingly, the AASHTO developed and published the new 
Policy which uses only metric values for geometric design. Through this 
rulemaking the FHWA is adopting metric conversion values established by 
the AASHTO in this new Policy.
    The new Policy has replaced the previous version of this Policy, 
which was published by the AASHTO in 1990 and adopted by the FHWA in a 
final rule published in the Federal Register on April 29, 1993 (58 FR 
25939). The new Policy will constitute FHWA's policy on the geometric 
design of projects on the NHS. The 1994 Policy also takes the place of 
the publication entitled ``Interim Selected Metric Values for Geometric 
Design,'' AASHTO 1993, which was adopted by FHWA in a final rule 
published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1993 (58 FR 64897).
    Although the standards contained in the Policy apply to the 
Interstate System, specific guidance applicable to highways on the 
Interstate System is included in another AASHTO publication, ``A Policy 
on Design Standards--Interstate System.'' The current edition of that 
publication will be converted to the metric system in the near future.
    Generally, the criteria in the functional chapters on local roads 
and streets and on collectors (Chapters V and VI of the Policy) are not 
applicable to projects on the NHS. However, if highway segments 
functionally classified as less than principal arterials are 
incorporated in the NHS by virtue of being Strategic Highway Network 
(STRAHNET) Connectors or Intermodal Connectors, the standards used may 
be those appropriate for the functional classification of the segment 
taking into account the type of traffic using the segment.

Summary of Changes

    The following revisions have been made to the list of standards, 
policies, and standard specifications in Sec. 625.4:
    1. ``A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,'' AASHTO 
1990, has been updated to indicate the 1994 edition.
    2. ``Interim Selected Metric Values for Geometric Design,'' AASHTO 
1993, has been deleted because metric values are now included in ``A 
Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.''
    3. ``A Policy on U-Turn Median Openings on Freeways,'' AASHTO 1960, 
has been deleted. This document is no longer applicable and not 
available from AASHTO.
    4. ``A Policy on Access Between Adjacent Railroads and Interstate 
Highways,'' AASHTO 1960, has been deleted. This document is no longer 
applicable and not available from AASHTO.
    5. ``Water Supply and Sewage Treatment at Safety Rest Areas,'' 
FHWA, 23 CFR part 650, subpart E, has been deleted. The safe drinking 
water requirements of this regulation have been superseded by the 
national primary drinking water regulations promulgated by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (40 CFR part 141) and the States to 
comply with safe drinking water legislation.
    6. ``Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges,'' Thirteenth 
Edition, AASHTO 1983, has been updated to indicate the fifteenth 
edition published in 1992 and ``Interim Specifications--Bridges,'' 
AASHTO 1984 through 1988, has been updated to indicate the 1993 through 
1995 editions.
    7. ``AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications,'' AASHTO 1994, has 
been added. These improved load and resistance factor design 
specifications are an alternative to the long- standing ``Standard 
Specifications for Highway Bridges,'' AASHTO.
    8. ``Bridge Welding Code, ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5-88,'' AASHTO has 
been updated to indicate the 1995 edition.
    9. ``Reinforcing Steel Welding Code'' has been updated to indicate 
the new name and current edition, ``Structural Welding Code--
Reinforcing Steel,'' 1992.
    10. ``Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals,'' AASHTO, has been updated to 
indicate the 1994 edition.
    Section 625.5, Guides and References, contains a listing of 
references which are informational or guidance in character. This 
section is being removed from 23 CFR part 625 and will appear instead 
in the ``Federal-Aid Policy Guide'' (FAPG). The FAPG is an organized, 
looseleaf, single source documentation of the FHWA's current policies, 
regulations and nonregulatory procedural guidance information related 
to the Federal-aid highway program. It is available for inspection and 
copying as prescribed in 49 CFR part 7, appendix D.
    The remaining discussion in this section describes the changes in 
the new edition of the Policy. There were a number of changes that were 
made throughout the Policy. These include the following:
    1. All dimensions were converted to the metric system.
    2. Slope is expressed in nondimensional ratios. The vertical 
component is shown first and then the horizontal.
    3. Superelevation is expressed in percent.
    4. The more descriptive terms ``traveled way,'' ``roadway,'' 
``lane,'' and ``highway'' have been substituted for the term 
``pavement'' where appropriate; however, where the term ``pavement'' 
refers to a type of surface it is retained.
    The following paragraphs provide a brief synopsis of the 
information that is included in each of the 10 chapters of the Policy 
and, as appropriate, any significant additions, revisions or deletions 
beyond those listed above made to the currently approved 1990 AASHTO 
Policy in the 1994 Policy.

Chapter I--Highway Functions

    In this chapter the concept of functional classification is 
presented and the various components considered in detail. This serves 
as an introduction to functional classification and an explanation of 
how the concept is employed in the publication. There are no 
significant changes made in this chapter other than identification of 
the NHS as a new administrative system.

Chapter II--Design Controls and Criteria

    Those characteristics of vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic that 
act as criteria for design of various highway and street functional 
classes are covered in this chapter. The coverage of capacity is 
revised to agree with the Transportation Research Board's revised 
chapters of the ``Highway Capacity Manual.'' (At the time this part of 
the new Policy was undergoing revision, in mid-1993, a number, but not 
all, of the chapters in the manual had been revised.)
    More emphasis is placed on accommodating elderly persons based on 
information that has been published and studies that have been 
conducted since the old Policy was published. More information on 
bicycle transportation and characteristics has

[[Page 17569]]

been included. The concept of ``access management,'' which refers to 
setting access standards for various types of highways and 
incorporating access standards into legislation, has been added to the 
section on ``Access Control.'' The terminology used in the Americans 
with Disabilities Act (ADA), Pub. L. 101-336, 104 Stat. 327, and its 
implementing regulations has been incorporated in the discussion on 
designing highways and facilities to meet the needs of persons with 
disabilities.

Chapter III--Elements of Design

    The basic elements of design, such as sight distance, horizontal 
alinement, superelevation, widths of turning roadways, vertical 
alinement, maximum grades and climbing lanes are covered in this 
chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include the following:
    1. In order to eliminate confusion as to which values are used to 
calculate lengths of vertical and horizontal curves, only the 
calculated values of stopping and passing sight distance are shown. 
These unrounded values are used in calculating lengths of vertical 
curves and, then, the lengths of vertical curves are rounded, as was 
done in the old Policy.
    2. Degree of curve is eliminated; curve criteria is based only on 
radius.
    3. The term ``crown'' has been replaced by more appropriate 
terminology such as ``cross slope'' in most places.
    4. The information on distribution of superelevation and 
superelevation runoff for curves with radius greater than minimum for 
low-speed urban streets has been eliminated and a recommendation that 
as much superelevation and as long runoff lengths as possible be 
provided even on curves greater than minimum is included.
    5. The values for the minimum middle ordinate on the inside of 
horizontal curves needed to provide horizontal stopping sight distance 
are based on computed values rather than rounded values.
    6. The information on design and capacity of climbing lanes for 
two-lane and multilane highways has been revised based on the new, 
revised chapters of the ``Highway Capacity Manual.''
    7. The information on truck escape ramps has been updated based on 
the latest published information.
    8. The new Policy notes that personal computers can be used to 
assist designers in developing vertical and horizontal alinements.
    9. The section on ``Maintenance of Traffic Through Construction 
Areas'' has been revised to be consistent with the ``Manual on Uniform 
Traffic Control Devices.''
    10. The references on highway drainage have been revised to refer 
to the latest publications.

Chapter IV--Cross Section Elements

    The elements of a highway, such as pavement cross slope, traffic 
lanes, shoulders, medians, frontage roads, and roadsides are discussed 
in this chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include the 
following:
    1. More information on design to accommodate bicyclists has been 
added.
    2. The information on design of and use of curbs has been revised.
    3. The section on design of pedestrian facilities has been modified 
somewhat to conform to the ADA implementing regulations.

Chapter V--Local Roads and Streets

    The design guidance applicable to those roads functionally 
classified as local rural roads and local urban streets is covered in 
this chapter. Significant revisions include the following:
    1. Traffic volume criteria in the tables for design speed, traveled 
way, shoulder width, and width and design loading for bridges is 
presented on the common basis of average daily traffic (ADT). This is 
based on recent research which concluded the existing practice of 
mixing ADT and design hour volume (DHV) was confusing.
    2. The values for minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder for 
local roads having various ranges of ADT have been modified based on 
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 362, 
``Roadway Width for Low Traffic Volume Roads.'' In particular, a 5.4 m 
traveled way is now permitted for highways with ADT's of under 400. For 
rural local roads with ADT's of 400 to 1500 the lane and shoulder 
widths may be adjusted to a minimum roadway width of 9.0 m.

Chapter VI--Collector Roads and Streets

    The design guidance applicable to those roads functionally 
classified as rural collector roads and urban collector streets is 
covered in this chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include 
the following:
    1. Traffic volume criteria in the tables for design speed, traveled 
way, shoulder width, and width and design loading for bridges is 
presented on the common basis of ADT. This is based on recent research 
which concluded the existing practice of mixing ADT and DHV was 
confusing.
    2. The values for minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder for 
rural collector roads having various ranges of ADT have been modified 
based on NCHRP Report 362, ``Roadway Width for Low Traffic Volume 
Roads.'' In particular, 2.7 m lane widths are now permitted for 
highways with ADT's of 250 or less and design speeds of 60 km/h or 
less.
    3. Traveled ways of a minimum width of 6.6 m are permitted to 
remain on reconstructed highways with any ADT provided the alinement is 
adequate and the safety records are satisfactory.
    4. More information on design to accommodate bicycles is included.

Chapter VII--Rural and Urban Arterials

    The basis for design of the principal and minor arterial road 
systems in rural and urban areas is presented in this chapter.
    The only significant change between the old and new Policy was to 
modify the table providing minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder 
based on information in NCHRP Report 362. Traffic volume criteria in 
the table is only in terms of ADT (either current or projected) and the 
width of traveled way for ADT's of 400 to 2000 and design speeds of 
under 100 km/h have been reduced slightly.

Chapter VIII--Freeways

    The various types of freeways, their design elements, controls, 
criteria and cross-sectional elements are covered in this chapter. The 
only significant change to this chapter was to eliminate specific 
right-of-way widths for the freeway cross sections. It is not 
considered necessary to specify a total right-of-way width since this 
is the sum of the individual cross-sectional elements.

Chapter IX--At-Grade Intersections

    The basic types of intersections and the elements involved in their 
designs, primarily those concerning the accommodation of turning 
movements, are described in this chapter. The following are the major 
changes in the chapter:
    1. Information on design to accommodate bicycles has been added.
    2. A discussion concerning the provision of free-flow right turns 
where speed change lanes are not provided and where pedestrians and 
bicyclists are a consideration has been added.
    3. Another Case dealing with stopped vehicles turning left from a 
major highway has been added to the discussion on intersection control.
    4. The section on sight distance at ramp terminals was eliminated 
because

[[Page 17570]]

sight distance at these locations is calculated in the same manner as 
at any other intersection.
    5. The section on railroad grade crossings was revised to add 
information on highway intersections adjacent to railroad grade 
crossings.

Chapter X--Grade Separations and Interchanges

    The basic types of interchanges and grade separations, along with 
the design of their features, are discussed in this chapter. The 
following are the significant changes in this chapter:
    1. Information on single point diamond interchanges was added.
    2. Information on the accommodation of pedestrians at interchanges 
was added.
    3. A discussion on ramp metering was added.
    4. Most of the information on models was eliminated because models 
and model types are illustrative only and not directly related to 
design criteria.

Review Procedure

    Based on an analysis of public comments received, and its own 
independent review, the FHWA will reexamine the acceptability of 
modifications adopted by this rule.

Rulemaking Analysis and Notices

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides 
that agencies may dispense with prior notice and opportunity for 
comment when the agency for good cause finds that such procedures are 
impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.
    The FHWA has determined that publication of a notice of proposed 
rulemaking would be contrary to the public interest. The FHWA's Metric 
Conversion Policy provides that newly authorized Federal Lands and 
Federal-aid construction contracts be formulated solely in metric units 
by September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to be changed to 
September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted NHS Act, almost 
all of the States are continuing their conversion to metric to meet the 
previously established deadline of September 30, 1996. The Metric 
Conversion Policy was developed as required by Section 3 of the Metric 
Act, which mandates that all Federal Government agencies begin using 
the International System of Units in procurements, grants, and other 
business-related activities. Planning for Federal Lands and Federal-aid 
construction projects is already well underway, and States and other 
FHWA partners need to know now that the metric conversions used to 
formulate their plans will match the FHWA's conversions. Thus the FHWA 
believes that implementation of AASHTO's new Policy, which uses only 
metric values, should be accomplished as soon as possible. Adoption of 
the metric values in the new Policy now provides necessary certainty 
and continuity for States and other FHWA partners including highway 
construction contractors and consultants.
    The FHWA has also determined that prior notice and opportunity to 
comment are unnecessary. The text changes in 23 CFR part 625 only 
reflect the establishment of the National Highway System. The 
significant change is incorporation of the new Policy and the metric 
values contained therein. The FHWA has determined, however, that the 
metric values used in the new AASHTO Policy are essentially the same as 
the English measurements already adopted by the FHWA pursuant to notice 
and comment rulemaking. That rulemaking appeared in the Federal 
Register on April 29, 1993, wherein FHWA adopted AASHTO's old Policy. 
On December 10, 1993, FHWA adopted AASHTO's ``Interim Selected Metric 
Values for Geometric Design,'' which were meant to provide the States 
with metric values for the most critical elements of geometric design. 
Other changes to the old Policy that have been incorporated into the 
new Policy for the most part merely clarify the meaning of certain 
terminology, incorporate the latest geometric design information, or 
correct some minor errors in the old Policy.
    Accordingly, the FHWA anticipates that prior notice and opportunity 
for comment will most likely not result in the receipt of useful 
information. Nonetheless, public comment is solicited on this action. 
Comments received will be carefully considered in evaluating whether 
any change to this action is needed.

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant 
regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or 
significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The metric values selected in the 
new Policy are functionally equivalent to the English system 
measurements contained in the old Policy previously adopted by notice 
and comment rulemaking. Although the new Policy contains new material, 
the basic criteria remain essentially the same. In all practicality, 
the new Policy reflects the criteria, for the most part, which have 
been in use in designing Federal-aid highways. It is anticipated that 
the economic impact of the rulemaking will be minimal; therefore, a 
full regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-345, 
5 U.S.C. 601-612) the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on 
small entities. Based on the evaluation, the FHWA hereby certifies that 
this action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. As stated above, the FHWA made 
this determination based on the fact that metric values in the new 
Policy are functionally equivalent to the English system values they 
replace and the new material in the new Policy reflects criteria which 
for the most part is presently in use.

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

    This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and it has been determined 
that this action does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not contain a collection of information 
requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The agency has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has 
determined that this action would not have any effect on the quality of 
the environment.

Regulation Identification Number

    A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each 
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. 
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda 
in April and

[[Page 17571]]

October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of this document 
can be used to cross reference this action with the Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 625

    Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and 
roads, Incorporation by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Issued on: April 8, 1996.
Rodney E. Slater,
Federal Highway Administrator.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA is amending Chapter I 
of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
    1. Part 625 is revised to read as follows:

PART 625--DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIGHWAYS

Sec.
625.1  Purpose.
625.2  Policy.
625.3  Application.
625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 109, 315, and 402; sec. 1073 of Pub. L. 
102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 2012; 49 CFR 1.48 (b) and (n).


Sec. 625.1  Purpose.

    To designate those standards, policies, and standard specifications 
that are acceptable to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for 
application in the geometric and structural design of highways.


Sec. 625.2  Policy.

    (a) Plans and specifications for proposed National Highway System 
(NHS) projects shall provide for a facility that will--
    (1) Adequately serve the existing and planned future traffic of the 
highway in a manner that is conducive to safety, durability, and 
economy of maintenance; and
    (2) Be designed and constructed in accordance with criteria best 
suited to accomplish the objectives described in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section and to conform to the particular needs of each locality.
    (b) Resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR) projects, 
other than those on the Interstate system and other freeways, shall be 
constructed in accordance with standards which preserve and extend the 
service life of highways and enhance highway safety. Resurfacing, 
restoration, and rehabilitation work includes placement of additional 
surface material and/or other work necessary to return an existing 
roadway, including shoulders, bridges, the roadside, and appurtenances 
to a condition of structural or functional adequacy.
    (c) An important goal of the FHWA is to provide the highest 
practical and feasible level of safety for people and property 
associated with the Nation's highway transportation systems and to 
reduce highway hazards and the resulting number and severity of 
accidents on all the Nation's highways.


Sec. 625.3  Application.

    (a) Applicable standards. (1) Design and construction standards for 
new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance 
resurfacing), restoration, or rehabilitation of a highway on the NHS 
(other than a highway also on the Interstate System) shall be those 
approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway 
departments. These standards may take into account, in addition to the 
criteria described in Sec. 625.2(a), the following:
    (i) The constructed and natural environment of the area;
    (ii) The environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, community, and 
preservation impacts of the activity; and
    (iii) Access for other modes of transportation.
    (2) Federal-aid projects not on the NHS are to be designed, 
constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, 
regulations, directives, safety standards, design standards, and 
construction standards.
    (b) The standards, policies, and standard specifications contain 
specific criteria and controls for the design of NHS projects. 
Deviations from specific minimum values therein are to be handled in 
accordance with procedures in paragraph (f) of this section. If there 
is a conflict between criteria in the documents enumerated in 
Sec. 625.4 of this part, the latest listed standard, policy, or 
standard specification will govern.
    (c) Application of FHWA regulations, although cited in Sec. 625.4 
of this part as standards, policies, and standard specifications, shall 
be as set forth therein.
    (d) This regulation establishes Federal standards for work on the 
NHS regardless of funding source.
    (e) The Division Administrator shall determine the applicability of 
the roadway geometric design standards to traffic engineering, safety, 
and preventive maintenance projects which include very minor or no 
roadway work. Formal findings of applicability are expected only as 
needed to resolve controversies.
    (f) Exceptions. (1) Approval within the delegated authority 
provided by FHWA Order M1100.1 may be given on a project basis to 
designs which do not conform to the minimum criteria as set forth in 
the standards, policies, and standard specifications for:
    (i) Experimental features on projects; and
    (ii) Projects where conditions warrant that exceptions be made.
    (2) The determination to approve a project design that does not 
conform to the minimum criteria is to be made only after due 
consideration is given to all project conditions such as maximum 
service and safety benefits for the dollar invested, compatibility with 
adjacent sections of roadway and the probable time before 
reconstruction of the section due to increased traffic demands or 
changed conditions.


Sec. 625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.

    The documents listed in this section are incorporated by reference 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 and are on file at the Office of 
the Federal Register in Washington, DC. They are available as noted in 
paragraph (d) of this section. The other CFR references listed in this 
section are included for cross reference purposes only.
    (a) Roadway and appurtenances. (1) A Policy on Geometric Design of 
Highways and Streets, AASHTO 1994. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (2) A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System, AASHTO 1991. 
(See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (3) The geometric design standards for resurfacing, restoration, 
and rehabilitation (RRR) projects on NHS highways other than freeways 
shall be the procedures and the design or design criteria established 
for individual projects, groups of projects, or all nonfreeway RRR 
projects in a State, and as approved by the FHWA. The other geometric 
design standards in this section do not apply to RRR projects on NHS 
highways other than freeways, except as adopted on an individual State 
basis. The RRR design standards shall reflect the consideration of the 
traffic, safety, economic, physical, community, and environmental needs 
of the projects.
    (4) Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects, 
refer to 23 CFR part 650, subpart B.
    (5) Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Flood Plains, 
refer to 23 CFR part 650, subpart A.
    (6) Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and 
Construction Noise, refer to 23 CFR part 772.
    (7) Accommodation of Utilities, refer to 23 CFR part 645, subpart 
B.
    (8) Pavement Design, refer to 23 CFR part 626.

[[Page 17572]]

    (b) Bridges and structures. (1) Standard Specifications for Highway 
Bridges, Fifteenth Edition, AASHTO 1992. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (2) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1993. (See 
Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (3) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1994. (See 
Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (4) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1995. (See 
Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (5) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, First Edition, AASHTO 
1994 (U.S. Units). (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (6) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, First Edition, AASHTO 
1994 (SI Units). (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (7) Standard Specifications for Movable Highway Bridges, AASHTO 
1988. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (8) Bridge Welding Code, ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5-95, AASHTO. (See 
Sec. 625.4(d) (1) and (2))
    (9) Structural Welding Code--Reinforcing Steel, ANSI/AWS D1.4-92, 
1992. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(2))
    (10) Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals, AASHTO 1994. For use on NHS 
projects, the requirement for maximum change in velocity in Section 7, 
Breakaway Supports, may be 16 fps in lieu of the 15 fps contained in 
the AASHTO specifications. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (11) Navigational Clearances for Bridges, refer to 23 CFR part 650, 
subpart H.
    (c) Materials. (1) General Materials Requirements, refer to 23 CFR 
part 635, subpart D.
    (2) Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and 
Methods of Sampling and Testing, parts I and II, AASHTO 1995. (See 
Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
    (3) Sampling and Testing of Materials and Construction, refer to 23 
CFR part 637, subpart B.
    (d) Availability of documents incorporated by reference. The 
documents listed in Sec. 625.4 are incorporated by reference and are on 
file and available for inspection at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. 
These documents may also be reviewed at the Department of 
Transportation Library, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC, in Room 
2200. These documents are also available for inspection and copying as 
provided in 49 CFR part 7, appendix D. Copies of these documents may be 
obtained from the following organizations:
    1. American Association of State Highway and Transportation 
Officials (AASHTO), Suite 249, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20001.
    2. American Welding Society (AWS), 2501 Northwest Seventh Street, 
Miami, FL 33125.

[FR Doc. 96-9559 Filed 4-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P