96-9559. Design Standards for Highways; Geometric Design of Highways and Streets  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 78 (Monday, April 22, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 17566-17572]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-9559]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Highway Administration
    
    23 CFR Part 625
    
    [FHWA Docket No. 95-12]
    RIN 2125-AD38
    
    
    Design Standards for Highways; Geometric Design of Highways and 
    Streets
    
    AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Interim final rule; request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: The National Highway System (NHS) was established by the 
    National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 
    Stat. 568). To reflect the establishment of the NHS, the FHWA is 
    revising several areas of the text in its regulation governing design 
    standards for highways; updating the listing of standards; relocating 
    the guides and references; and adopting as its interim
    
    [[Page 17567]]
    
    policy for the design standards which apply to highway construction and 
    reconstruction projects on the NHS, a 1994 revision of the American 
    Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) 
    publication, ``A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets'' 
    (Policy). The primary reason for development of the new Policy was to 
    convert the numerical values in AASHTO's 1990 Policy to the metric 
    system (SI). With the recent enactment of the National Highway System 
    Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 Stat. 568), conversion to 
    the metric system by the States now must take place by September 30, 
    2000. Almost all of the States are continuing their conversion to 
    metric to meet the previously established deadline of September 30, 
    1996. This regulation will assure the States and other FHWA partners 
    that the metric conversions used to formulate their plans will be 
    consistent with the values adopted by the FHWA.
    
    DATES: This interim final rule is effective May 22, 1996. Comments must 
    be received on or before June 21, 1996. The incorporation by reference 
    of certain publications listed in the regulation is approved by the 
    Director of the Federal Register as of November 7, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit written, signed comments to FHWA Docket No. 95-12, 
    Federal Highway Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, Room 4232, 
    HCC-10, 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. The current design standards 
    are on file at the Office of the Federal Register in Washington, DC, 
    and are available for inspection and copying from the FHWA Washington 
    Headquarters and all FHWA Division and Regional Offices as prescribed 
    in 49 CFR Part 7, appendix D. Copies of the current AASHTO publications 
    are also available for purchase from the American Association of State 
    Highway and Transportation Officials, suite 249, 444 North Capitol 
    Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Seppo I. Sillan, Geometric and 
    Roadside Design Branch, Federal-Aid and Design Division, Office of 
    Engineering (202) 366-0312, or Mr. Wilbert Baccus, Office of Chief 
    Counsel (202) 366-0780, 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: The text changes in 23 CFR part 625 reflect 
    the establishment of the National Highway System (NHS) by the National 
    Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-59, 109 Stat. 568) 
    (NHS Act) as the basic highway network in the United States. References 
    to ``Federal-aid highway projects'' have accordingly been changed to 
    ``NHS projects.'' The standards, policies, and standard speci- 
    fications that have been approved by the FHWA for application on all 
    projects on the NHS are incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 625.
        Section 625.3(d) of the rule provides that these Federal design 
    standards apply to all projects on the NHS, regardless of funding 
    source. Under prior law, Federal standards applied to most projects 
    solely as a condition of receipt of Federal grant funds. The change, 
    applying Federal standards even to NHS projects wholly funded by a 
    State, is based on provisions in both the Intermodal Surface 
    Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914) 
    (ISTEA) and the NHS Act, and is consistent with the purpose for which 
    the NHS was established. In 23 U.S.C. 109(c), as amended by Sec. 304 of 
    the NHS Act, the Secretary is required, in cooperation with the State 
    highway departments, to approve design and construction standards on 
    the NHS. These provisions mirror the language and assignment of 
    responsibility appearing in 23 U.S.C. 109(b), which has long been 
    interpreted to require the Secretary to establish design standards for 
    the Interstate System without regard for funding source. In expanding 
    the Secretary's authority to all roads on the NHS, Congress sought to 
    accommodate interstate commerce by ensuring a uniform, safe, 
    interconnected system of principal arterial routes.
        Federal-aid projects not on the NHS are to be designed, 
    constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, 
    regulations, directives, safety standards, design standards, and 
    construction standards. This change implements section 1016(d) of the 
    ISTEA, which added a new subsection (p) to 23 U.S.C. 109 requiring non-
    NHS projects to meet State standards.
        The AASHTO is an organization which represents the 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 the United 
    States Department of Transportation (DOT) is an ex officio member, and 
    DOT officials participate in various AASHTO activities as nonvoting 
    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 in 23 
    CFR 625 were developed and issued by the AASHTO. Revisions made to such 
    documents by the AASHTO are independently reviewed and adopted by the 
    FHWA before they are applied to NHS projects.
        Recently the AASHTO revised the publication ``A Policy on Geometric 
    Design of Highways and Streets'' (Policy). The primary reason for 
    development of the new document was to convert the numerical values in 
    the 1990 Policy to the metric system (SI). The FHWA's Metric Conversion 
    Policy, published in the Federal Register on June 11, 1992, provided 
    that newly authorized Federal-aid construction contracts must be only 
    in metric units by September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to 
    be changed to September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted 
    NHS Act, almost all of the States are continuing their conversion to 
    metric to meet the previously established deadline of September 30, 
    1996. This rulemaking is intended to assure the States and other FHWA 
    partners that the metric conversions used to formulate their plans will 
    be consistent with the values adopted by the FHWA. Another reason for 
    revising the Policy is to provide the latest design criteria. A more 
    detailed discussion of the changes in the revised Policy is included 
    later in this preamble.
        In 1992, the FHWA initiated a phased 5-year plan to convert its 
    activities and business operations to the metric system of weights and 
    measures, as required by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, Pub. L. 
    100-418, 102 Stat. 1107, 1451 (Metric Act). Section 3 of this Act set a 
    deadline date of September 30, 1992, for each Federal Government agency 
    to begin using International System of Units (SI) in procurements, 
    grants, and other business-related activities, except to the extent 
    that such use is impractical or would likely cause significant 
    inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms.
        In order to comply with the Metric Act, the FHWA developed a list 
    of deadlines for converting to the metric system, which was published 
    on June
    
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    11, 1992, at 57 FR 24843. This notice established that all newly 
    authorized Federal-aid contracts must use only metric units by 
    September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to be changed to 
    September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted NHS Act, almost 
    all of the States are continuing their conversion to metric to meet the 
    previously established deadline of September 30, 1996. In order to 
    comply with the above deadline, and because it often takes several 
    years between the time when designs are initiated and when projects are 
    authorized, States have already begun to design projects using the 
    metric system. Accordingly, the AASHTO developed and published the new 
    Policy which uses only metric values for geometric design. Through this 
    rulemaking the FHWA is adopting metric conversion values established by 
    the AASHTO in this new Policy.
        The new Policy has replaced the previous version of this Policy, 
    which was published by the AASHTO in 1990 and adopted by the FHWA in a 
    final rule published in the Federal Register on April 29, 1993 (58 FR 
    25939). The new Policy will constitute FHWA's policy on the geometric 
    design of projects on the NHS. The 1994 Policy also takes the place of 
    the publication entitled ``Interim Selected Metric Values for Geometric 
    Design,'' AASHTO 1993, which was adopted by FHWA in a final rule 
    published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1993 (58 FR 64897).
        Although the standards contained in the Policy apply to the 
    Interstate System, specific guidance applicable to highways on the 
    Interstate System is included in another AASHTO publication, ``A Policy 
    on Design Standards--Interstate System.'' The current edition of that 
    publication will be converted to the metric system in the near future.
        Generally, the criteria in the functional chapters on local roads 
    and streets and on collectors (Chapters V and VI of the Policy) are not 
    applicable to projects on the NHS. However, if highway segments 
    functionally classified as less than principal arterials are 
    incorporated in the NHS by virtue of being Strategic Highway Network 
    (STRAHNET) Connectors or Intermodal Connectors, the standards used may 
    be those appropriate for the functional classification of the segment 
    taking into account the type of traffic using the segment.
    
    Summary of Changes
    
        The following revisions have been made to the list of standards, 
    policies, and standard specifications in Sec. 625.4:
        1. ``A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,'' AASHTO 
    1990, has been updated to indicate the 1994 edition.
        2. ``Interim Selected Metric Values for Geometric Design,'' AASHTO 
    1993, has been deleted because metric values are now included in ``A 
    Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.''
        3. ``A Policy on U-Turn Median Openings on Freeways,'' AASHTO 1960, 
    has been deleted. This document is no longer applicable and not 
    available from AASHTO.
        4. ``A Policy on Access Between Adjacent Railroads and Interstate 
    Highways,'' AASHTO 1960, has been deleted. This document is no longer 
    applicable and not available from AASHTO.
        5. ``Water Supply and Sewage Treatment at Safety Rest Areas,'' 
    FHWA, 23 CFR part 650, subpart E, has been deleted. The safe drinking 
    water requirements of this regulation have been superseded by the 
    national primary drinking water regulations promulgated by the U.S. 
    Environmental Protection Agency (40 CFR part 141) and the States to 
    comply with safe drinking water legislation.
        6. ``Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges,'' Thirteenth 
    Edition, AASHTO 1983, has been updated to indicate the fifteenth 
    edition published in 1992 and ``Interim Specifications--Bridges,'' 
    AASHTO 1984 through 1988, has been updated to indicate the 1993 through 
    1995 editions.
        7. ``AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications,'' AASHTO 1994, has 
    been added. These improved load and resistance factor design 
    specifications are an alternative to the long- standing ``Standard 
    Specifications for Highway Bridges,'' AASHTO.
        8. ``Bridge Welding Code, ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5-88,'' AASHTO has 
    been updated to indicate the 1995 edition.
        9. ``Reinforcing Steel Welding Code'' has been updated to indicate 
    the new name and current edition, ``Structural Welding Code--
    Reinforcing Steel,'' 1992.
        10. ``Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
    Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals,'' AASHTO, has been updated to 
    indicate the 1994 edition.
        Section 625.5, Guides and References, contains a listing of 
    references which are informational or guidance in character. This 
    section is being removed from 23 CFR part 625 and will appear instead 
    in the ``Federal-Aid Policy Guide'' (FAPG). The FAPG is an organized, 
    looseleaf, single source documentation of the FHWA's current policies, 
    regulations and nonregulatory procedural guidance information related 
    to the Federal-aid highway program. It is available for inspection and 
    copying as prescribed in 49 CFR part 7, appendix D.
        The remaining discussion in this section describes the changes in 
    the new edition of the Policy. There were a number of changes that were 
    made throughout the Policy. These include the following:
        1. All dimensions were converted to the metric system.
        2. Slope is expressed in nondimensional ratios. The vertical 
    component is shown first and then the horizontal.
        3. Superelevation is expressed in percent.
        4. The more descriptive terms ``traveled way,'' ``roadway,'' 
    ``lane,'' and ``highway'' have been substituted for the term 
    ``pavement'' where appropriate; however, where the term ``pavement'' 
    refers to a type of surface it is retained.
        The following paragraphs provide a brief synopsis of the 
    information that is included in each of the 10 chapters of the Policy 
    and, as appropriate, any significant additions, revisions or deletions 
    beyond those listed above made to the currently approved 1990 AASHTO 
    Policy in the 1994 Policy.
    
    Chapter I--Highway Functions
    
        In this chapter the concept of functional classification is 
    presented and the various components considered in detail. This serves 
    as an introduction to functional classification and an explanation of 
    how the concept is employed in the publication. There are no 
    significant changes made in this chapter other than identification of 
    the NHS as a new administrative system.
    
    Chapter II--Design Controls and Criteria
    
        Those characteristics of vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic that 
    act as criteria for design of various highway and street functional 
    classes are covered in this chapter. The coverage of capacity is 
    revised to agree with the Transportation Research Board's revised 
    chapters of the ``Highway Capacity Manual.'' (At the time this part of 
    the new Policy was undergoing revision, in mid-1993, a number, but not 
    all, of the chapters in the manual had been revised.)
        More emphasis is placed on accommodating elderly persons based on 
    information that has been published and studies that have been 
    conducted since the old Policy was published. More information on 
    bicycle transportation and characteristics has
    
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    been included. The concept of ``access management,'' which refers to 
    setting access standards for various types of highways and 
    incorporating access standards into legislation, has been added to the 
    section on ``Access Control.'' The terminology used in the Americans 
    with Disabilities Act (ADA), Pub. L. 101-336, 104 Stat. 327, and its 
    implementing regulations has been incorporated in the discussion on 
    designing highways and facilities to meet the needs of persons with 
    disabilities.
    
    Chapter III--Elements of Design
    
        The basic elements of design, such as sight distance, horizontal 
    alinement, superelevation, widths of turning roadways, vertical 
    alinement, maximum grades and climbing lanes are covered in this 
    chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include the following:
        1. In order to eliminate confusion as to which values are used to 
    calculate lengths of vertical and horizontal curves, only the 
    calculated values of stopping and passing sight distance are shown. 
    These unrounded values are used in calculating lengths of vertical 
    curves and, then, the lengths of vertical curves are rounded, as was 
    done in the old Policy.
        2. Degree of curve is eliminated; curve criteria is based only on 
    radius.
        3. The term ``crown'' has been replaced by more appropriate 
    terminology such as ``cross slope'' in most places.
        4. The information on distribution of superelevation and 
    superelevation runoff for curves with radius greater than minimum for 
    low-speed urban streets has been eliminated and a recommendation that 
    as much superelevation and as long runoff lengths as possible be 
    provided even on curves greater than minimum is included.
        5. The values for the minimum middle ordinate on the inside of 
    horizontal curves needed to provide horizontal stopping sight distance 
    are based on computed values rather than rounded values.
        6. The information on design and capacity of climbing lanes for 
    two-lane and multilane highways has been revised based on the new, 
    revised chapters of the ``Highway Capacity Manual.''
        7. The information on truck escape ramps has been updated based on 
    the latest published information.
        8. The new Policy notes that personal computers can be used to 
    assist designers in developing vertical and horizontal alinements.
        9. The section on ``Maintenance of Traffic Through Construction 
    Areas'' has been revised to be consistent with the ``Manual on Uniform 
    Traffic Control Devices.''
        10. The references on highway drainage have been revised to refer 
    to the latest publications.
    
    Chapter IV--Cross Section Elements
    
        The elements of a highway, such as pavement cross slope, traffic 
    lanes, shoulders, medians, frontage roads, and roadsides are discussed 
    in this chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include the 
    following:
        1. More information on design to accommodate bicyclists has been 
    added.
        2. The information on design of and use of curbs has been revised.
        3. The section on design of pedestrian facilities has been modified 
    somewhat to conform to the ADA implementing regulations.
    
    Chapter V--Local Roads and Streets
    
        The design guidance applicable to those roads functionally 
    classified as local rural roads and local urban streets is covered in 
    this chapter. Significant revisions include the following:
        1. Traffic volume criteria in the tables for design speed, traveled 
    way, shoulder width, and width and design loading for bridges is 
    presented on the common basis of average daily traffic (ADT). This is 
    based on recent research which concluded the existing practice of 
    mixing ADT and design hour volume (DHV) was confusing.
        2. The values for minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder for 
    local roads having various ranges of ADT have been modified based on 
    National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 362, 
    ``Roadway Width for Low Traffic Volume Roads.'' In particular, a 5.4 m 
    traveled way is now permitted for highways with ADT's of under 400. For 
    rural local roads with ADT's of 400 to 1500 the lane and shoulder 
    widths may be adjusted to a minimum roadway width of 9.0 m.
    
    Chapter VI--Collector Roads and Streets
    
        The design guidance applicable to those roads functionally 
    classified as rural collector roads and urban collector streets is 
    covered in this chapter. Significant revisions to the chapter include 
    the following:
        1. Traffic volume criteria in the tables for design speed, traveled 
    way, shoulder width, and width and design loading for bridges is 
    presented on the common basis of ADT. This is based on recent research 
    which concluded the existing practice of mixing ADT and DHV was 
    confusing.
        2. The values for minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder for 
    rural collector roads having various ranges of ADT have been modified 
    based on NCHRP Report 362, ``Roadway Width for Low Traffic Volume 
    Roads.'' In particular, 2.7 m lane widths are now permitted for 
    highways with ADT's of 250 or less and design speeds of 60 km/h or 
    less.
        3. Traveled ways of a minimum width of 6.6 m are permitted to 
    remain on reconstructed highways with any ADT provided the alinement is 
    adequate and the safety records are satisfactory.
        4. More information on design to accommodate bicycles is included.
    
    Chapter VII--Rural and Urban Arterials
    
        The basis for design of the principal and minor arterial road 
    systems in rural and urban areas is presented in this chapter.
        The only significant change between the old and new Policy was to 
    modify the table providing minimum widths of traveled way and shoulder 
    based on information in NCHRP Report 362. Traffic volume criteria in 
    the table is only in terms of ADT (either current or projected) and the 
    width of traveled way for ADT's of 400 to 2000 and design speeds of 
    under 100 km/h have been reduced slightly.
    
    Chapter VIII--Freeways
    
        The various types of freeways, their design elements, controls, 
    criteria and cross-sectional elements are covered in this chapter. The 
    only significant change to this chapter was to eliminate specific 
    right-of-way widths for the freeway cross sections. It is not 
    considered necessary to specify a total right-of-way width since this 
    is the sum of the individual cross-sectional elements.
    
    Chapter IX--At-Grade Intersections
    
        The basic types of intersections and the elements involved in their 
    designs, primarily those concerning the accommodation of turning 
    movements, are described in this chapter. The following are the major 
    changes in the chapter:
        1. Information on design to accommodate bicycles has been added.
        2. A discussion concerning the provision of free-flow right turns 
    where speed change lanes are not provided and where pedestrians and 
    bicyclists are a consideration has been added.
        3. Another Case dealing with stopped vehicles turning left from a 
    major highway has been added to the discussion on intersection control.
        4. The section on sight distance at ramp terminals was eliminated 
    because
    
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    sight distance at these locations is calculated in the same manner as 
    at any other intersection.
        5. The section on railroad grade crossings was revised to add 
    information on highway intersections adjacent to railroad grade 
    crossings.
    
    Chapter X--Grade Separations and Interchanges
    
        The basic types of interchanges and grade separations, along with 
    the design of their features, are discussed in this chapter. The 
    following are the significant changes in this chapter:
        1. Information on single point diamond interchanges was added.
        2. Information on the accommodation of pedestrians at interchanges 
    was added.
        3. A discussion on ramp metering was added.
        4. Most of the information on models was eliminated because models 
    and model types are illustrative only and not directly related to 
    design criteria.
    
    Review Procedure
    
        Based on an analysis of public comments received, and its own 
    independent review, the FHWA will reexamine the acceptability of 
    modifications adopted by this rule.
    
    Rulemaking Analysis and Notices
    
        Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides 
    that agencies may dispense with prior notice and opportunity for 
    comment when the agency for good cause finds that such procedures are 
    impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.
        The FHWA has determined that publication of a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking would be contrary to the public interest. The FHWA's Metric 
    Conversion Policy provides that newly authorized Federal Lands and 
    Federal-aid construction contracts be formulated solely in metric units 
    by September 30, 1996. Although this date will have to be changed to 
    September 30, 2000, to comply with the recently enacted NHS Act, almost 
    all of the States are continuing their conversion to metric to meet the 
    previously established deadline of September 30, 1996. The Metric 
    Conversion Policy was developed as required by Section 3 of the Metric 
    Act, which mandates that all Federal Government agencies begin using 
    the International System of Units in procurements, grants, and other 
    business-related activities. Planning for Federal Lands and Federal-aid 
    construction projects is already well underway, and States and other 
    FHWA partners need to know now that the metric conversions used to 
    formulate their plans will match the FHWA's conversions. Thus the FHWA 
    believes that implementation of AASHTO's new Policy, which uses only 
    metric values, should be accomplished as soon as possible. Adoption of 
    the metric values in the new Policy now provides necessary certainty 
    and continuity for States and other FHWA partners including highway 
    construction contractors and consultants.
        The FHWA has also determined that prior notice and opportunity to 
    comment are unnecessary. The text changes in 23 CFR part 625 only 
    reflect the establishment of the National Highway System. The 
    significant change is incorporation of the new Policy and the metric 
    values contained therein. The FHWA has determined, however, that the 
    metric values used in the new AASHTO Policy are essentially the same as 
    the English measurements already adopted by the FHWA pursuant to notice 
    and comment rulemaking. That rulemaking appeared in the Federal 
    Register on April 29, 1993, wherein FHWA adopted AASHTO's old Policy. 
    On December 10, 1993, FHWA adopted AASHTO's ``Interim Selected Metric 
    Values for Geometric Design,'' which were meant to provide the States 
    with metric values for the most critical elements of geometric design. 
    Other changes to the old Policy that have been incorporated into the 
    new Policy for the most part merely clarify the meaning of certain 
    terminology, incorporate the latest geometric design information, or 
    correct some minor errors in the old Policy.
        Accordingly, the FHWA anticipates that prior notice and opportunity 
    for comment will most likely not result in the receipt of useful 
    information. Nonetheless, public comment is solicited on this action. 
    Comments received will be carefully considered in evaluating whether 
    any change to this action is needed.
    
    Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    
        The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant 
    regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or 
    significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The metric values selected in the 
    new Policy are functionally equivalent to the English system 
    measurements contained in the old Policy previously adopted by notice 
    and comment rulemaking. Although the new Policy contains new material, 
    the basic criteria remain essentially the same. In all practicality, 
    the new Policy reflects the criteria, for the most part, which have 
    been in use in designing Federal-aid highways. It is anticipated that 
    the economic impact of the rulemaking will be minimal; therefore, a 
    full regulatory evaluation is not required.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-345, 
    5 U.S.C. 601-612) the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on 
    small entities. Based on the evaluation, the FHWA hereby certifies that 
    this action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities. As stated above, the FHWA made 
    this determination based on the fact that metric values in the new 
    Policy are functionally equivalent to the English system values they 
    replace and the new material in the new Policy reflects criteria which 
    for the most part is presently in use.
    
    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 this action 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 20.205, 
    Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
    Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
    Federal programs and activities apply to this program.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        This action does not contain a collection of information 
    requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 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
    
    [[Page 17571]]
    
    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, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
        Issued on: April 8, 1996.
    Rodney E. Slater,
    Federal Highway Administrator.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA is amending Chapter I 
    of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
        1. Part 625 is revised to read as follows:
    
    PART 625--DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIGHWAYS
    
    Sec.
    625.1  Purpose.
    625.2  Policy.
    625.3  Application.
    625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.
    
        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).
    
    
    Sec. 625.1  Purpose.
    
        To designate those standards, policies, and standard specifications 
    that are acceptable to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for 
    application in the geometric and structural design of highways.
    
    
    Sec. 625.2  Policy.
    
        (a) Plans and specifications for proposed National Highway System 
    (NHS) projects shall provide for a facility that will--
        (1) Adequately serve the existing and planned future traffic of the 
    highway in a manner that is conducive to safety, durability, and 
    economy of maintenance; and
        (2) Be designed and constructed in accordance with criteria best 
    suited to accomplish the objectives described in paragraph (a)(1) of 
    this section and to conform to the particular needs of each locality.
        (b) Resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR) projects, 
    other than those on the Interstate system and other freeways, shall be 
    constructed in accordance with standards which preserve and extend the 
    service life of highways and enhance highway safety. Resurfacing, 
    restoration, and rehabilitation work includes placement of additional 
    surface material and/or other work necessary to return an existing 
    roadway, including shoulders, bridges, the roadside, and appurtenances 
    to a condition of structural or functional adequacy.
        (c) An important goal of the FHWA is to provide the highest 
    practical and feasible level of safety for people and property 
    associated with the Nation's highway transportation systems and to 
    reduce highway hazards and the resulting number and severity of 
    accidents on all the Nation's highways.
    
    
    Sec. 625.3  Application.
    
        (a) Applicable standards. (1) Design and construction standards for 
    new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance 
    resurfacing), restoration, or rehabilitation of a highway on the NHS 
    (other than a highway also on the Interstate System) shall be those 
    approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway 
    departments. These standards may take into account, in addition to the 
    criteria described in Sec. 625.2(a), the following:
        (i) The constructed and natural environment of the area;
        (ii) The environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, community, and 
    preservation impacts of the activity; and
        (iii) Access for other modes of transportation.
        (2) Federal-aid projects not on the NHS are to be designed, 
    constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, 
    regulations, directives, safety standards, design standards, and 
    construction standards.
        (b) The standards, policies, and standard specifications contain 
    specific criteria and controls for the design of NHS projects. 
    Deviations from specific minimum values therein are to be handled in 
    accordance with procedures in paragraph (f) of this section. If there 
    is a conflict between criteria in the documents enumerated in 
    Sec. 625.4 of this part, the latest listed standard, policy, or 
    standard specification will govern.
        (c) Application of FHWA regulations, although cited in Sec. 625.4 
    of this part as standards, policies, and standard specifications, shall 
    be as set forth therein.
        (d) This regulation establishes Federal standards for work on the 
    NHS regardless of funding source.
        (e) The Division Administrator shall determine the applicability of 
    the roadway geometric design standards to traffic engineering, safety, 
    and preventive maintenance projects which include very minor or no 
    roadway work. Formal findings of applicability are expected only as 
    needed to resolve controversies.
        (f) Exceptions. (1) Approval within the delegated authority 
    provided by FHWA Order M1100.1 may be given on a project basis to 
    designs which do not conform to the minimum criteria as set forth in 
    the standards, policies, and standard specifications for:
        (i) Experimental features on projects; and
        (ii) Projects where conditions warrant that exceptions be made.
        (2) The determination to approve a project design that does not 
    conform to the minimum criteria is to be made only after due 
    consideration is given to all project conditions such as maximum 
    service and safety benefits for the dollar invested, compatibility with 
    adjacent sections of roadway and the probable time before 
    reconstruction of the section due to increased traffic demands or 
    changed conditions.
    
    
    Sec. 625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.
    
        The documents listed in this section are incorporated by reference 
    with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
    with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 and are on file at the Office of 
    the Federal Register in Washington, DC. They are available as noted in 
    paragraph (d) of this section. The other CFR references listed in this 
    section are included for cross reference purposes only.
        (a) Roadway and appurtenances. (1) A Policy on Geometric Design of 
    Highways and Streets, AASHTO 1994. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (2) A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System, AASHTO 1991. 
    (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (3) The geometric design standards for resurfacing, restoration, 
    and rehabilitation (RRR) projects on NHS highways other than freeways 
    shall be the procedures and the design or design criteria established 
    for individual projects, groups of projects, or all nonfreeway RRR 
    projects in a State, and as approved by the FHWA. The other geometric 
    design standards in this section do not apply to RRR projects on NHS 
    highways other than freeways, except as adopted on an individual State 
    basis. The RRR design standards shall reflect the consideration of the 
    traffic, safety, economic, physical, community, and environmental needs 
    of the projects.
        (4) Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects, 
    refer to 23 CFR part 650, subpart B.
        (5) Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Flood Plains, 
    refer to 23 CFR part 650, subpart A.
        (6) Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and 
    Construction Noise, refer to 23 CFR part 772.
        (7) Accommodation of Utilities, refer to 23 CFR part 645, subpart 
    B.
        (8) Pavement Design, refer to 23 CFR part 626.
    
    [[Page 17572]]
    
        (b) Bridges and structures. (1) Standard Specifications for Highway 
    Bridges, Fifteenth Edition, AASHTO 1992. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (2) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1993. (See 
    Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (3) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1994. (See 
    Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (4) Interim Specifications--Bridges, AASHTO 1995. (See 
    Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (5) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, First Edition, AASHTO 
    1994 (U.S. Units). (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (6) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, First Edition, AASHTO 
    1994 (SI Units). (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (7) Standard Specifications for Movable Highway Bridges, AASHTO 
    1988. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (8) Bridge Welding Code, ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5-95, AASHTO. (See 
    Sec. 625.4(d) (1) and (2))
        (9) Structural Welding Code--Reinforcing Steel, ANSI/AWS D1.4-92, 
    1992. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(2))
        (10) Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
    Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals, AASHTO 1994. For use on NHS 
    projects, the requirement for maximum change in velocity in Section 7, 
    Breakaway Supports, may be 16 fps in lieu of the 15 fps contained in 
    the AASHTO specifications. (See Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (11) Navigational Clearances for Bridges, refer to 23 CFR part 650, 
    subpart H.
        (c) Materials. (1) General Materials Requirements, refer to 23 CFR 
    part 635, subpart D.
        (2) Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and 
    Methods of Sampling and Testing, parts I and II, AASHTO 1995. (See 
    Sec. 625.4(d)(1))
        (3) Sampling and Testing of Materials and Construction, refer to 23 
    CFR part 637, subpart B.
        (d) Availability of documents incorporated by reference. The 
    documents listed in Sec. 625.4 are incorporated by reference and are on 
    file and available for inspection at the Office of the Federal 
    Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. 
    These documents may also be reviewed at the Department of 
    Transportation Library, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC, in Room 
    2200. These documents are also available for inspection and copying as 
    provided in 49 CFR part 7, appendix D. Copies of these documents may be 
    obtained from the following organizations:
        1. American Association of State Highway and Transportation 
    Officials (AASHTO), Suite 249, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, 
    Washington, DC 20001.
        2. American Welding Society (AWS), 2501 Northwest Seventh Street, 
    Miami, FL 33125.
    
    [FR Doc. 96-9559 Filed 4-19-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
5/22/1996
Published:
04/22/1996
Department:
Federal Highway Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
96-9559
Dates:
This interim final rule is effective May 22, 1996. Comments must be received on or before June 21, 1996. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulation is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 7, 1995.
Pages:
17566-17572 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FHWA Docket No. 95-12
RINs:
2125-AD38: Design Standards for Highways; A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets; Design and Construction Criteria
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2125-AD38/design-standards-for-highways-a-policy-on-geometric-design-of-highways-and-streets-design-and-constr
PDF File:
96-9559.pdf
CFR: (7)
23 CFR 625.4(d)(1))
23 CFR 625.4(d)
23 CFR 625.4(d)(1))
23 CFR 625.1
23 CFR 625.2
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