Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

page views since 04-May-04

Table of Contents

Federal Highway Administration

27. National Bridge Inspection Standards

28. National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

Federal Highway Administration

Federal Highway Administration

27. 

National Bridge Inspection Standards

Green

Popular Title: NBIS

RIN 2125-AE86

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: ANPRM: Publication Date 9/26/2001; End of Comment Period 12/26/2001. NPRM: Publication Date 9/9/2003; End of Comment Period 11/10/2003.

Abstract: This rulemaking would examine whether to revise the regulation on National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) to incorporate current, state-of-the-art bridge inspection practices that public authorities may be using. It has been fourteen years since the NBIS regulations were updated. The experience, material, and technology changes over time dictate that the FHWA take a fresh look at these regulations. The FHWA has received some unsolicited comments from engineers, inspectors, transportation planners, and others recommending a number of changes to the FHWA's NBIS regulations. In revising these regulations the FHWA is considering incorporating a number of the FHWA policy memorandums and technical advisories into the regulation.

Effects:

None

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline:

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/31/2001

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone	Originally Scheduled Date	New Projected Date	Actual Date
To OST	06/15/2004
To OMB	07/16/2004
OMB Clearance	10/15/2004
Publication Date	10/23/2004

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None

Federal Highway Administration

28. 

National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

Red

Popular Title: Retroreflectivity of Road Signs

RIN 2125-AE98

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) to include methods to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity. The maintenance methods would establish a basis for improving nighttime visibility of traffic signs to promote safety, enhance traffic operations, and facilitate comfort and convenience for all drivers. The changes would be designated as Revision No. 1 to the 2003 Edition of the MUTCD. This rulemaking was prompted by the FY 1993 DOT and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which in 1998, ASHTO requested a delay in rulemaking until formal ASHTO recommendations could be developed based on research completed. ASHTO submitted recommendations in 2000. Further studies were completed in 2001. During 2002 the Texas Transportation Institute, under contract to the FHWA, conducted four workshops on sign retroreflectivity.

Effects:

Major

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline:

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 05/07/2003

Dates for NPRM:

Milestone	Originally Scheduled Date	New Projected Date	Actual Date
To OST	02/05/2004	03/08/2004	03/10/2004
To OMB	03/05/2004	04/08/2004
OMB Clearance	06/04/2004	06/08/2004
Publication Date	05/26/2004	06/15/2004
End of Comment Period	07/26/2004	08/06/2004

Explanation for any delay:

Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None