Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

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Table of Contents

Federal Highway Administration
34. National Bridge Inspection Standards

35. 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
34. 
National Bridge Inspection Standards Green
Popular Title: National Bridge Inspection
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    06/29/2004 
To OMB 07/16/2004  07/29/2004   
OMB Clearance 10/15/2004  10/29/2004   
Publication Date 10/23/2004  11/05/2004   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Federal Highway Administration
35. 
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:
  None
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  05/24/2004 
OMB Clearance 06/04/2004  08/24/2004  07/20/2004 
Publication Date 05/26/2004  07/28/2004  07/30/2004 
End of Comment Period 07/26/2004    10/28/2004 
Explanation for any delay: Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: 69 FR 45623