[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 108 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30757-30758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14606]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 658

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


Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Carolina

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA has modified the National Network for commercial 
motor vehicles by adding a route in North Carolina. The National 
Network was

[[Page 30758]]

established by a final rule on truck size and weight published at 49 FR 
23302 on June 5, 1984. This rulemaking adds one segment to the National 
Network as requested by the State of North Carolina.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 7, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Klimek, Offices of Motor 
Carrier Information Analysis (202-366-2976), or Mr. Charles Medalen, 
Office of 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 legal 
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 listed in 
appendix A are outlined in 23 CFR 658.11.
    In accordance with these procedures the State of North Carolina, 
under authority of the Governor, requested the addition of one segment 
to the National Network. The segment was 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. A notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) listing North Carolina's proposed change to the National Network 
was published on October 21, 1996 [61 FR 54588].
    The segment requested is generally described as: US 74 between 
alternate US 74 near Forest City and I-26 exit 36, approximately 20 
miles. With this change the FHWA is adding the segment requested to the 
existing route descriptions for North Carolina.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

    Two comments were received, one from a motor carrier and one from a 
household movers association. Both commentors supported the inclusion 
of the 20 mile segment for safety and convenience.

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 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. As stated in the preceding paragraph, the rulemaking proposes 
technical amendments to 23 CFR 658, adding a highway segment in 
accordance with statutory provisions. This segment represents a very 
small portion of the National Network and have a negligible impact on 
the prior system. This rulemaking would, however, allow motor carriers, 
including small carriers, access to highways 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 [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

    Grants programs--transportation, Highway and roads, Motor carrier--
size and weight.

    Issued on: May 22, 1997.
Jane Garvey,
Acting Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA amends title 23, Code 
of Federal Regulations, chapter 1, 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. 31111-31115; 49 CFR 
1.48 (b)(19) and (c)(19).

    2. Appendix A to Part 658 is amended for the State of North 
Carolina by inserting the route listing 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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                  *        *        *        *        *                 
US 74............  I-26 EXIT 36................  US 74 ALT: near Forest 
                                                  City                  
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
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[FR Doc. 97-14606 Filed 6-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P