[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 204 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54588-54589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26744]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR 658

[FHWA Docket No. 96-12]
RIN 2125-AEO4


Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Carolina

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; (NPRM); request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA proposes to modify the National Network for 
commercial motor vehicles by adding a route in North Carolina. The 
National Network was established by a final rule on truck size and 
weight published on June 5, 1984. This rulemaking proposes to add one 
segment to the National Network as requested by the State of North 
Carolina.

DATES: Comments on this docket must be received on or before December 
20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit written, signed comments to FHWA Docket No. 96-12, 
Federal Highway Administration, Room 4232, HCC-10, Office of Chief 
Counsel, Federal Highway Administration, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Thomas Klimek, Office of Motor Carrier Information Management and 
Analysis (202-366-2212), or Mr. Charles Medalen, Office of the Chief 
Counsel (202-366-1354), 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:

Background

    The National Network of Interstate highways and federally-
designated routes, on which commercial vehicles with the dimensions 
authorized by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982, 
49 U.S.C. 31111, 31113-31114, may operate, was established by the final 
rule published in the Federal Register on June 5, 1984 (49 FR 23302). 
These highways are located in each State, the District of Columbia, and 
Puerto Rico. Routes on the National Network are listed in appendix A of 
Part 658.
    Procedures for the addition and deletion of routes are outlined in 
23 CFR 658.11 and include the issuance of a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) before final rulemaking.
    The State of North Carolina, under authority of the Governor, 
requests the addition of one segment to the National Network. The 
segment has been reviewed by State and FHWA offices for general 
adherence to the criteria of 23 CFR 658.9 and found to provide for the 
safe operation of larger commercial vehicles and for the needs of 
interstate commerce.
    The segment requested is generally described as: US 74 between 
alternate US 74 near Forest City and I-26 exit 36, in Polk County, 
approximately 20 miles.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

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

    The FHWA has determined that this action does not constitute a 
significant

[[Page 54589]]

regulatory action, within the meaning of E.O. 12866, nor is it 
considered significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of 
the DOT. It is anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking 
will be minimal. This rulemaking proposes technical amendments to 23 
CFR 658, adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory 
provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the 
National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system. 
Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-
612), FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposal on small 
entities. This rulemaking proposes technical amendments to 23 CFR 658, 
adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory 
provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the 
National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system. This 
rulemaking would, however, allow motor carriers, including small 
carriers, access to a highway segment not available to them at the 
present time.
    Based on its evaluation of this proposal, the FHWA certifies that 
this action would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

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 the proposed rule 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 20.217, Motor 
Carrier Safety. The Regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 
regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal Programs and 
activities do not apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The proposal in this document does not contain information 
collection requirements for the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The agency has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National 
Environment 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 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 658

    Grant programs--transportation, Highway and roads, Motor carriers.

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

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA proposes to amend title 
23, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I, by amending appendix A to 
Part 658 for the State of North Carolina as set forth below:

PART 658--TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS--LENGTH, WIDTH 
AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS

    1. The authority citation for 23 CFR Part 658 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 3111-31115; 49 CFR 
1.48 (b)(19) and (c)(19).

    2. Appendix A to Part 658 is amended for the State of North 
Carolina by adding a new route listing entry after the listing for US 
74, I-277 Charlotte, US 17 W. Int. Wilmington to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 658--National Network--Federally-Designated Routes

                             North Carolina                             
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        Route                    From                       To          
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                  *        *        *        *        *                 
US74.................  I-26Exit 36.............  US74 ALT: near Forest  
                                                  City.                 
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
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[FR Doc. 96-26744 Filed 10-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-M