[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 8 (Monday, January 13, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 1793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00315]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 650

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2017-0047]
RIN 2125-AF55


National Bridge Inspection Standards

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is extending the comment period for a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and request for comments, which was 
published on November 12, 2019. The original comment period is set to 
close on January 13, 2020. The extension is based on FHWA's desire to 
allow interested parties sufficient time to review and provide 
comprehensive comments on this NPRM. Therefore, the closing date for 
comments is changed to March 13, 2020, which will provide those 
interested in commenting additional time to discuss, evaluate, and 
submit responses to the docket.

DATES: The comment period for the proposed rule published November 12, 
2019, at 84 FR 61494, is extended. Comments must be received on or 
before March 13, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590, or submit electronically 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 may print the acknowledgment page that 
appears after submitting comments electronically. Anyone is able to 
search the electronic form of all comments 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 (Volume 
65, Number 70, Pages 19477-78) or you may visit http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John Thiel, P.E., Office of 
Bridges and Structures, HIBS-30, (202) 366-8795, or Mr. William Winne, 
Office of the Chief Counsel, HCC-30, (202) 366-1397, Federal Highway 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access and Filing

    You may submit or access all comments received by DOT online 
through: http://www.regulations.gov. Electronic submission and 
retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. It is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the 
instructions. An electronic copy of this document may also be 
downloaded from the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.federalregister.gov.

Background

    On November 12, 2019, at 84 FR 61494, FHWA published in the Federal 
Register an NPRM proposing to update the National Bridge Inspection 
Standards (NBIS). Through this NPRM, FHWA proposes to update the NBIS 
to address the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act 
requirements, incorporate technological advancements including the use 
of unmanned aerial systems, and address ambiguities identified since 
the last update to the regulation in 2009. The FHWA also proposes to 
repeal two outdated regulations: The Highway Bridge Replacement and 
Rehabilitation Program and the Discretionary Bridge Candidate Rating 
Factor.
    The original comment period for the NPRM closes on January 13, 
2020. The FHWA believes that this closing date may not provide 
sufficient time to review and provide comprehensive comments. The 
extension is in the public interest based on FHWA's desire to allow 
interested parties sufficient time to review and provide comprehensive 
comments on this NPRM. To allow the public to submit comprehensive 
comments, the closing date is changed from January 13, 2020, to March 
13, 2020.

    Authority:  23 U.S.C. 119, 144, and 315.

    Issued on: January 7, 2020.
Nicole R. Nason,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2020-00315 Filed 1-10-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P