[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 30, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71746-71748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34636]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 658

[FHWA Docket No. 98-3467]
RIN 2125-AE36


Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Dakota

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document modifies the National Network for commercial 
motor vehicles by adding a route in North Dakota. The National Network 
was established by a final rule on truck size and weight published on 
June 5, 1984, as since modified. This rulemaking adds one segment to 
the National Network as requested by the State of North Dakota.

DATES: This rule is effective January 29, 1999.

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:

Electronic Access

    Internet users can access all comments received by the U.S. DOT 
Dockets, Room PL-401, by using the universal resource locator (URL): 
http://dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each 
year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and 
help.
    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem 
and suitable communications software from the Government Printing 
Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202)512-1661. Internet 
users may reach the Federal Register's home page at: http://
www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at: 
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

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 of 1982 (STAA), 
49 U.S.C. 31111, 31113-31114, may operate, was established by a final 
rule published in the Federal Register on June 5, 1984 (49 FR 23302), 
as subsequently modified. 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 23 CFR 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.
    In accordance with these procedures, the State of North Dakota, 
under authority of the Governor, requested the addition of one segment 
to the National Network. The segment requested is

[[Page 71747]]

generally described as ND Highway 32 from the west junction of ND 
Highway 13 north to Interstate 94, a distance of approximately 56 
miles. 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 Dakota's proposed change to the National Network was published on 
May 18, 1998 (63 FR 27228). The closing date for comments was July 17, 
1998.

Discussion of Comments

    Only one comment was received. The Melroe Company supports the 
request to include Highway 32 from the west junction of ND Highway 13 
north to Interstate 94 in the National Network. This carrier has 
operated double trailers for 13 years and sees the addition of Hwy 32 
to the network as an opportunity to reduce the amount of travel by its 
vehicles on 2-lane roads. Presently Melroe vehicles must travel 119 
miles via North Dakota routes 13, 1, 11, and 281 to reach Interstate 94 
via National Network routes. The addition of ND route 32 will reduce 
the travel from Gwinner to Interstate 94 to 54 miles, a reduction of 65 
miles per trip.

Modifications of the National Network

    Overall we find that the record here, including the information 
introduced by the State of North Dakota together with comments 
submitted by the Melroe Company, supports the addition of the involved 
segment of Highway 32 to the National Network for purposes of enhanced 
safety, convenience, and support of interstate commerce. Accordingly, 
the FHWA will modify the regulations at 23 CFR Part 658 by adding the 
requested route for North Dakota.

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 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 provides a technical 
amendment 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), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on small 
entities. As noted previously, this rulemaking provides a technical 
amendment 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 will allow motor carriers, including small 
carriers, access to a highway segment previously not available to them.
    Based on its evaluation of this rule, the FHWA certifies that this 
action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose unfunded mandates as defined by the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4). This rulemaking 
relates to the Federal-aid Highway Program which is a financial 
assistance program in which State, local, or tribal governments have 
authority to adjust their program in accordance with changes made in 
the program by the Federal government, and thus is excluded from the 
definition of Federal mandate under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995.

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 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

    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 
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 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, Highways and roads, Motor 
carrier--size and weight.

    Issued on: December 22, 1998.
Kenneth R. Wykle,
Federal Highway Administrator.
    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA amends title 23, Code 
of Federal Regulations, Chapter I, appendix A to Part 658 for the State 
of North Dakota 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 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 31111--31114; 49 CFR 
1.48.

    2. Appendix A to Part 658 is amended for the State of North Dakota 
by adding a new route listing entry after the listing for ND 13, ND 1 
S. Jct., MN State Line to read as follows:

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

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[[Page 71748]]



                              North Dakota
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     Route                         From                          To
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*                *                *                *                *
                                  *                *
ND 32.........  West Junction of ND Highway 13...........  I-94
*                *                *                *                *
                                  *                *
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[FR Doc. 98-34636 Filed 12-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P