[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71792-71794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23476]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 71792]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 625

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2005-22476]
RIN 2125-AF06


Design Standards for Highways; Interstate System

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

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

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is requesting comments on a proposed amendment to the 
design standards that apply to highway construction and reconstruction 
projects on the Interstate System. A 2005 revision of the American 
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) 
publication entitled A Policy on Design Standards Interstate System, 
January 2005, has replaced the previous version of this policy 
published in 1991. If adopted by the FHWA, the new AASHTO publication 
would constitute the FHWA's policy on geometric design standards for 
all construction and reconstruction projects on the Interstate System.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 30, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or submit electronically at http://dmses.dot.gov/submit. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via the 
eRulemaking Portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments should 
include the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. 
All comments received will be available for examination and copying at 
the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of 
comments must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard or you may 
print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments 
electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form on all 
documents received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted 
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may 
review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register 
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information: Mr. Jon 
Obenberger, Office of Program Administration (HIPA-20), (202) 366-2221. 
For legal information: Mr. Robert Black, Office of the Chief Counsel 
(HCC-32), (202) 366-1359, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. 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 and Filing

    You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Document 
Management System (DMS) at: http://dmses.dot.gov/submit. The DMS is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Electronic submission 
and retrieval help and guidelines are available under the help section 
of the Web site.
    An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from the 
Office of the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.archives.gov 
and the Government Printing Office's Web page at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

Background

    The standards, policies, and standard specifications that have been 
approved by the FHWA for application on all construction and 
reconstruction projects on the National Highway System (NHS) are 
incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 625 (Design Standards for 
Highways). For the Interstate System, the current document specified in 
Sec.  625.4(a)(2) is the 1991 edition of A Policy on Design Standards--
Interstate System \1\ (Interstate Standards). The AASHTO recently 
revised the Interstate Standards and issued the January 2005 
edition.\2\ The primary reason for revising the Interstate Standards 
was to reflect the latest design criteria and perform minor editorial 
changes to the previous Interstate Standards. The FHWA proposes to 
adopt this latest edition of the Interstate Standards as its geometric 
design standards for all construction and reconstruction projects on 
the Interstate System. See ``Summary of Changes'' below for a 
description of the changes made in the January 2005 edition.
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    \1\ A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System, 1991, is 
available by ordering from AASHTO at their Web site at http://www.aashto.org.
    \2\ A Policy on Design Standards Interstate System, January 
2005, is available by ordering from AASHTO at their Web site at 
http://www.aashto.org.
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    The Interstate Standards, being only 6 pages, are not intended to 
be a ``stand alone'' document for all of the geometric design standards 
that are used in the development of projects on the Interstate System. 
The Interstate Standards contain criteria that were developed 
specifically in keeping with the importance of the Interstate System as 
the backbone of the Nation's highway system. Specific examples include: 
Design traffic, right-of-way, geometric design controls and criteria, 
cross section elements, interchanges, and bridges and other structures. 
Other publications, such as A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways 
and Streets and the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges \3\ are 
referenced in the Interstate Standards and used for all geometric 
design issues not specifically addressed in the Interstate Standards.
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    \3\ A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and 
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges are available by 
ordering from AASHTO at their Web site at http://www.aashto.org.
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    The policies, standards, and standard specifications FHWA has 
adopted for all construction and reconstruction projects on the 
National Highway System (NHS) are incorporated by reference in 23 CFR 
part 625. The NHS was established by the National Highway System 
Designation Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-59, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 568. 
The NHS includes the Interstate System and other principal arterials 
serving major travel destinations and transportation needs, connectors 
to major transportation terminals, the Strategic Highway

[[Page 71793]]

Network and major connectors, and high priority corridors identified by 
law.
    The AASHTO is an organization which represents 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 Transportation is 
an ex officio member, and U.S. DOT officials participate in various 
AASHTO activities as non-voting 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 into 23 CFR part 625 were 
originally developed and issued by the AASHTO. Revisions to AASHTO 
policies, standards, and standard specifications are independently 
reviewed, considered, and where appropriate adopted by the FHWA for 
their application to projects on the NHS.

Summary of Changes

    The changes in the Interstate Standards were developed as the 
result of information contributed by AASHTO and FHWA staff experts. The 
changes made to the Interstate Standards (January 2005 edition) consist 
of the following:
    1. Metric values have been added for all dimensions. The previous 
edition contained only U.S. Customary values.
    2. In ``Design Speed,'' the sentence specifying a separate design 
speed for rolling terrain has been deleted. The impacts of construction 
in level and rolling terrain are considered sufficiently close that 
individual criteria are no longer considered necessary.
    3. In ``Gradients,'' the table for maximum grade has been expanded 
to include higher design speeds and intermediate design speeds. All of 
the values in the previous edition have been incorporated in the new 
table without any changes. The wording of the table footnote has been 
revised.
    4. In ``Shoulders,'' the discussion of shoulder width in 
mountainous terrain has been revised to clarify the values that may be 
used.
    5. In ``Horizontal Clearance to Obstructions,'' the discussion of 
horizontal clearance to obstructions has been revised and updated.
    6. In ``Curbs,'' the discussion of curbs has been revised and 
expanded to clarify the use of curbs in conjunction with guardrail.
    7. In ``Existing Bridges to Remain in Place,'' the wording has been 
revised to include bridges on future additions to the Interstate 
System.
    8. In ``Tunnels,'' the discussion of the minimum width of a tunnel 
has been revised and a discussion of a safety shape barrier at the 
tunnel wall in lieu of a safety walk has been added.

Conclusion

    The FHWA proposes to amend the design standards that apply to 
highway construction and reconstruction projects on the Interstate 
System by adopting the 2005 edition of AASHTO's A Policy on Design 
Standards Interstate System.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

    All comments received on or before the close of business on the 
comment closing date indicated above will be considered and will be 
available for examination in the docket at the above address. Comments 
received after the comment closing date will be filed in the docket and 
will be considered to the extent practicable. In addition to late 
comments, the FHWA will also continue to file relevant information in 
the docket as it becomes available after the comment period closing 
date, and interested persons should continue to examine the docket for 
new material. A final rule may be published at any time after close of 
the comment period.

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

    The FHWA has determined preliminarily that this action would not be 
a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 
12866 or would not be significant within the meaning of the U.S. 
Department of Transportation regulatory policies and procedures. It is 
anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking would be 
minimal because the basic design standard criteria remain essentially 
the same. The proposed changes would not adversely affect, in a 
material way, any sector of the economy. In addition, the changes would 
not interfere with any action taken or planned by another agency and 
would not materially alter the budgetary impact of any entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs. Consequently, a full regulatory 
evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, 
5 U.S.C. 601-612) the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposed 
action on small entities and has determined that the proposed action 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. As stated above the basic design standard criteria 
remain essentially the same. Additionally, the proposed changes address 
design standards for States to follow in constructing or reconstructing 
the Interstate System. States are not included in the definition of 
small entity set forth in 5 U.S.C. 601. For these reasons, the FHWA 
certifies that this action would not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This proposed rule would not impose unfunded mandates as defined by 
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4, March 22, 
1995, 109 Stat. 48). This proposed rule will not result in the 
expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year (2 
U.S.C. 1532).
    Further, in compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995, the FHWA will evaluate any regulatory action that might be 
proposed in subsequent stages to assess the effects on States, local, 
and tribal governments and the private sector. Additionally, the 
definition of ``Federal Mandate'' in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
excludes financial assistance of the type in which State, local, or 
tribal governments have authority to adjust their participation in the 
program in accordance with changes made in the program by the Federal 
government. The Federal-aid Highway Program permits this type of 
flexibility.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment)

    This proposed action has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132, and the 
FHWA has determined that this proposed action would not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
assessment. The FHWA has also determined that this proposed action 
would not preempt any State law or State regulation or affect the 
States' ability to discharge traditional State governmental functions.

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

[[Page 71794]]

this program. Accordingly, the FHWA solicits comments on this issue.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, 
et. seq.), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they 
conduct, sponsor, or require through regulations. The FHWA has 
determined that this proposal does not contain collection of 
information requirements for the purposes of the PRA.

National Environmental Policy Act

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

Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    The FHWA has analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 
12630, Governmental Actions and Interface with Constitutionally 
Protected Property Rights. The FHWA does not anticipate that this 
proposed action would affect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630.

Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This action meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children)

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The FHWA 
certifies that this proposed action would not cause an environmental 
risk to health or safety that might disproportionately affect children.

Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)

    The FHWA has analyzed this action under Executive Order 13175, 
dated November 6, 2000, and believes that the proposed action would not 
have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes; would not 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal 
governments; and would not preempt tribal laws. The proposed rulemaking 
addresses obligation of Federal funds to States for Federal-aid highway 
projects and would not impose any direct compliance requirements on 
Indian tribal governments. Therefore, a tribal summary impact statement 
is not required.

Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects)

    We have analyzed this action under Executive Order 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use dated May 18, 2001. We have determined that it is 
not a significant energy action under that order since it is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and is not 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. Therefore, a Statement of Energy 
Effects is not required.

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 625

    Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, highways and 
roads, Incorporation by reference.

    Issued on: November 21, 2005.
J. Richard Capka,
Acting Federal Highway Administrator.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA proposes to amend title 
23, Code of Federal Regulations, part 625, as set forth below:

PART 625--DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIGHWAYS

    1. The authority citation for part 625 continues to read as 
follows:


    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).

    2. In Sec.  625.4, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) A Policy on Design Standards Interstate System, AASHTO, January 
2005. [See Sec.  625.4(d)(1)]
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-23476 Filed 11-29-05; 8:45 am]
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