81_FR_80933 81 FR 80712 - FAST Act Section 1422 Study on Performance of Bridges

81 FR 80712 - FAST Act Section 1422 Study on Performance of Bridges

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 221 (November 16, 2016)

Page Range80712-80713
FR Document2016-27504

Section 1422 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act directs the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to commission the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the performance of bridges that received funding under the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction program in meeting the goals of that program. Section 1422 also directs the Administrator of FHWA to provide an opportunity for public comment on the study proposal before commissioning the study. This notice provides the study proposal and the opportunity for public comment.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80712-80713]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27504]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2016-0029]


FAST Act Section 1422 Study on Performance of Bridges

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: Section 1422 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation 
(FAST) Act directs the Administrator of the Federal Highway 
Administration (FHWA) to commission the Transportation Research Board 
of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the 
performance of bridges that received funding under the Innovative 
Bridge Research and Construction program in meeting the goals of that 
program. Section 1422 also directs the Administrator of FHWA to provide 
an opportunity for public comment on the study proposal before 
commissioning the study. This notice provides the study proposal and 
the opportunity for public comment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to Docket Management Facility: 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. You may also submit comments 
electronically at 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 of all 
comments in any one of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, or labor union). The DOT posts these 
comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Derek Constable, Office of Bridges 
and Structures, (202) 366-4606, or via email at 
derek.constable@dot.gov; Mr. Shay Burrows, Office of Bridges and 
Structures, (202) 366-4675, or via email at shay.burrows@dot.gov; for 
legal questions, Mr. Robert Black, (202) 366-1359, or via email at 
robert.black@dot.gov, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. 
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    An electronic copy of this notice may be downloaded from the 
specific docket page at www.regulations.gov.

Background

    As directed by FAST Act Section 1422, FHWA will commission the 
Transportation Research Board to conduct a study on the performance of 
bridges funded by the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction 
(IBRC) program as provided under section 503(b) of Title 23, United 
States Code, and in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The IBRC program was originated by the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) with the 
purpose of demonstrating the application of innovative material 
technology in the construction of bridges and other structures. Seven 
goals were identified in TEA-21. SAFETEA-LU continued the program, but 
amended the program name, purpose, and goals. The program was then 
discontinued with the passage of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 
21st Century (MAP-21) Act. The FAST Act directs FHWA to commission the 
Transportation Research Board to conduct a study on the performance of 
bridges that received funding under the IBRC program. The IBRC program 
provided funding to help defray costs on more than 400 projects.
    The study will include an analysis of the performance of bridges 
that received funding under the IBRC program in meeting the program 
goals;
    (A) The development of new, cost-effective innovative material 
highway bridge applications;
    (B) the reduction of maintenance costs and lifecycle costs of 
bridges, including the costs of new construction, replacement, or 
rehabilitation of deficient bridges;

[[Page 80713]]

    (C) the development of construction techniques to increase safety 
and reduce construction time and traffic congestion;
    (D) the development of engineering design criteria for innovative 
products and materials for use in highway bridges and structures;
    (E) the development of cost-effective and innovative techniques to 
separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic from railroad traffic;
    (F) the development of highway bridges and structures that will 
withstand natural disasters, including alternative processes for the 
seismic retrofit of bridges; and
    (G) the development of new nondestructive bridge evaluation 
technologies and techniques.
    The study also will include an analysis of the utility, compared to 
conventional materials and technologies, of each of the innovative 
materials and technologies used in projects for bridges under the 
program in meeting the needs of the United States in 2015 and in the 
future for a sustainable and low lifecycle cost transportation system; 
recommendations to Congress on how the installed and lifecycle costs of 
bridges could be reduced through the use of innovative materials and 
technologies, including, as appropriate, any changes in the design and 
construction of bridges needed to maximize the cost reductions; and a 
summary of any additional research that may be needed to further 
evaluate innovative approaches to reducing the installed and lifecycle 
costs of highway bridges.
    The FAST Act requires each State that received funds under the 
program to provide to the Transportation Research Board any relevant 
data needed to carry out the study.
    The FHWA proposes to focus the study on only the technologies 
implemented by the IBRC program and will only include bridges that 
received IBRC program funding. The FHWA's Recommendations to Congress 
on how to reduce the installed and life cycle costs of bridges will 
also be based upon the IBRC program study and improvements inspired by 
the program. In addition, FHWA proposes to focus the study on the 
effect of the designs, materials, and construction methods on the 
performance of bridges while they are in service.
    The FHWA proposes that the assessment of the performance of bridges 
while they are in service will use existing information and data that 
is known or has already been collected by the bridge owners. The FHWA 
proposes the TRB contact recipients of IBRC funding to provide 
information and data by interview, survey, and/or release of records. 
Interviews and surveys may be required to determine which projects to 
focus the study on and to gather relevant background, cost, and 
performance information. Records required may include data, documents, 
and reports associated with design, construction, in-service 
inspection, maintenance, evaluation, monitoring, and other relevant 
phases or activities.
    Interested parties are invited to provide comment on this study 
proposal.

    Authority: Sec. 1422, Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312; 49 CFR 
1.85.

    Dated: November 9, 2016.
Gregory G. Nadeau,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-27504 Filed 11-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P

80712 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices and determinations that a significant Issued on: November 9, 2016. provides, to www.regulations.gov, as encroachment is the only practicable Gregory G. Nadeau, described in the system of records alternative under 23 CFR 650.113 and Administrator, Federal Highway notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can 650.115) Administration. be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. • E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to [FR Doc. 2016–27507 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Address Environmental Justice in BILLING CODE 4910–22–P Derek Constable, Office of Bridges and Structures, (202) 366–4606, or via email Minority Populations and Low at derek.constable@dot.gov; Mr. Shay Income Populations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Burrows, Office of Bridges and • E.O. 13112, Invasive Species. Structures, (202) 366–4675, or via email Federal Highway Administration at shay.burrows@dot.gov; for legal The MOU would allow UDOT to act in the place of FHWA in carrying out [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2016–0029] questions, Mr. Robert Black, (202) 366– 1359, or via email at robert.black@ the environmental review-related FAST Act Section 1422 Study on dot.gov, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., functions described above, except with Performance of Bridges Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are respect to government-to-government from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday consultations with federally recognized AGENCY: Federal Highway through Friday, except Federal holidays. Indian tribes. The FHWA will retain Administration (FHWA), DOT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: responsibility for conducting formal ACTION: Notice and request for comment. government-to-government consultation Electronic Access SUMMARY: Section 1422 of the Fixing with federally recognized Indian tribes, America’s Surface Transportation An electronic copy of this notice may which is required under some of the (FAST) Act directs the Administrator of be downloaded from the specific docket listed laws and executive orders. The the Federal Highway Administration page at www.regulations.gov. UDOT will continue to handle routine (FHWA) to commission the Background consultations with the tribes and Transportation Research Board of the understands that a tribe has the right to As directed by FAST Act Section National Academy of Sciences to direct consultation with the FHWA 1422, FHWA will commission the conduct a study on the performance of upon request. The UDOT also may assist Transportation Research Board to bridges that received funding under the FHWA with formal consultations, with conduct a study on the performance of Innovative Bridge Research and bridges funded by the Innovative Bridge consent of a tribe, but FHWA remains Construction program in meeting the Research and Construction (IBRC) responsible for the consultation. goals of that program. Section 1422 also program as provided under section The UDOT also will not assume directs the Administrator of FHWA to 503(b) of Title 23, United States Code, provide an opportunity for public FHWA’s responsibilities for conformity and in effect on the day before the date comment on the study proposal before determinations required under Section of enactment of the Safe, Accountable, commissioning the study. This notice 176 of the CAA (42 U.S.C. 7506), or any Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity provides the study proposal and the responsibility under 23 U.S.C. 134 or Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU). opportunity for public comment. 135, or under 49 U.S.C. 5303 or 5304. The IBRC program was originated by the DATES: Comments must be received on Transportation Equity Act for the 21st A copy of the proposed MOU may be or before December 16, 2016. Century (TEA–21) with the purpose of viewed on the DOT DMS Docket, as ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver demonstrating the application of described above, or may be obtained by comments to Docket Management innovative material technology in the contacting FHWA or the State at the Facility: U.S. Department of construction of bridges and other addresses provided above. A copy also Transportation, 1200 New Jersey structures. Seven goals were identified may be viewed on UDOT’s Web site at: Avenue SE., Room W12–140, in TEA–21. SAFETEA–LU continued https://www.udot.utah.gov/go/ Washington, DC 20590. You may also the program, but amended the program nepaassignment. submit comments electronically at name, purpose, and goals. The program The FHWA Utah Division, in www.regulations.gov. All comments was then discontinued with the passage should include the docket number that of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the consultation with FHWA Headquarters, appears in the heading of this 21st Century (MAP–21) Act. The FAST will consider the comments submitted document. All comments received will Act directs FHWA to commission the when making its decision on the be available for examination and Transportation Research Board to proposed MOU revision. Any final copying at the above address from 9 MOU approved by FHWA may include conduct a study on the performance of a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through bridges that received funding under the changes based on comments and Friday, except Federal holidays. Those IBRC program. The IBRC program consultations relating to the proposed desiring notification of receipt of provided funding to help defray costs MOU and will be made publicly comments must include a self- on more than 400 projects. available. addressed, stamped postcard or you The study will include an analysis of (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance may print the acknowledgment page the performance of bridges that received Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning that appears after submitting comments funding under the IBRC program in electronically. Anyone is able to search asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES and Construction. The regulations meeting the program goals; implementing Executive Order 12372 the electronic form of all comments in (A) The development of new, cost- regarding intergovernmental consultation on any one of our dockets by the name of effective innovative material highway Federal programs and activities apply to this the individual submitting the comment bridge applications; program.) (or signing the comment, if submitted (B) the reduction of maintenance costs Authority: 23 U.S.C. 327; 42 U.S.C. 4331, on behalf of an association, business, or and lifecycle costs of bridges, including 4332; 23 CFR 771.101–139; 23 CFR 773.109; labor union). The DOT posts these the costs of new construction, and 40 CFR 1507.3. comments, without edit, including any replacement, or rehabilitation of personal information the commenter deficient bridges; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices 80713 (C) the development of construction funding to provide information and data • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey techniques to increase safety and reduce by interview, survey, and/or release of Avenue SE., Room W12–140, construction time and traffic congestion; records. Interviews and surveys may be Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. (D) the development of engineering required to determine which projects to and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, design criteria for innovative products focus the study on and to gather except Federal Holidays. and materials for use in highway bridges relevant background, cost, and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. and structures; performance information. Records Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific (E) the development of cost-effective required may include data, documents, Technical Advisor, at (202) 493–1332, and innovative techniques to separate and reports associated with design, or Mark.Hartong@dot.gov; or Mr. David vehicle and pedestrian traffic from construction, in-service inspection, Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train railroad traffic; maintenance, evaluation, monitoring, Control, at (312) 835–3903, or (F) the development of highway and other relevant phases or activities. David.Blackmore@dot.gov. bridges and structures that will Interested parties are invited to withstand natural disasters, including SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In its provide comment on this study PTCSP, Amtrak asserts that the ACSES alternative processes for the seismic proposal. retrofit of bridges; and II system it is implementing is designed (G) the development of new Authority: Sec. 1422, Pub. L. 114–94, 129 as a vital overlay positive train control nondestructive bridge evaluation Stat. 1312; 49 CFR 1.85. (PTC) system as defined in 49 CFR technologies and techniques. Dated: November 9, 2016. 236.1015(e)(2). The PTCSP describes The study also will include an Gregory G. Nadeau, Amtrak’s ACSES II implementation and analysis of the utility, compared to Administrator, Federal Highway the associated ACSES II safety conventional materials and Administration. processes, safety analyses, and test, technologies, of each of the innovative [FR Doc. 2016–27504 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] validation, and verification processes materials and technologies used in BILLING CODE 4910–22–P used during the development of ACSES projects for bridges under the program II. The PTCSP also contains Amtrak’s in meeting the needs of the United operational and support requirements States in 2015 and in the future for a DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and procedures. sustainable and low lifecycle cost Amtrak’s PTCSP and the transportation system; Federal Railroad Administration accompanying request for approval and recommendations to Congress on how system certification are available for [Docket Number FRA–2010–0029] the installed and lifecycle costs of review online at www.regulations.gov bridges could be reduced through the National Railroad Passenger (Docket Number FRA–2010–0029) and use of innovative materials and Corporation’s (Amtrak) Request for in person at DOT’s Docket Operations technologies, including, as appropriate, Positive Train Control Safety Plan Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., any changes in the design and (PTCSP) Approval and System W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The construction of bridges needed to Certification Docket Operations Facility is open from maximize the cost reductions; and a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through summary of any additional research that AGENCY: Federal Railroad Friday, except Federal Holidays. may be needed to further evaluate Administration (FRA), U.S. Department Interested parties are invited to innovative approaches to reducing the of Transportation (DOT). comment on the PTCSP by submitting installed and lifecycle costs of highway ACTION: Notice of availability and written comments or data. During its bridges. request for comments. review of the PTCSP, FRA will consider The FAST Act requires each State that any comments or data submitted. received funds under the program to SUMMARY: This document provides the However, FRA may elect not to respond provide to the Transportation Research public with notice that Amtrak to any particular comment and, under Board any relevant data needed to carry submitted via FRA’s Secure Information 49 CFR 236.1009(d)(3), FRA maintains out the study. Repository a letter dated September 14, the authority to approve or disapprove The FHWA proposes to focus the 2016, requesting FRA approval of its the PTCSP at its sole discretion. FRA study on only the technologies PTCSP Revision 4.0, dated August 2016, does not anticipate scheduling a public implemented by the IBRC program and for Amtrak’s Advanced Civil Speed hearing regarding Amtrak’s PTCSP will only include bridges that received Enforcement System II (ACSES II). because the circumstances do not IBRC program funding. The FHWA’s DATES: FRA will consider comments appear to warrant a hearing. If any Recommendations to Congress on how received by December 16, 2016 before interested party desires an opportunity to reduce the installed and life cycle taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA for oral comment, the party should costs of bridges will also be based upon may consider comments received after notify FRA in writing before the end of the IBRC program study and that date if practicable. the comment period and specify the improvements inspired by the program. ADDRESSES: All comments concerning basis for his or her request. In addition, FHWA proposes to focus this proceeding should identify Docket Privacy Act Notice the study on the effect of the designs, Number 2010–0029 and may be materials, and construction methods on submitted by any of the following Anyone can search the electronic the performance of bridges while they form of any written communications asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES methods: are in service. • Web site: http:// and comments received into any of our The FHWA proposes that the www.regulations.gov. Follow the online dockets by the name of the individual assessment of the performance of instructions for submitting comments. submitting the comment (or signing the bridges while they are in service will • Fax: 202–493–2251. document, if submitted on behalf of an use existing information and data that is • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, association, business, labor union, etc.). known or has already been collected by U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 Under 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits the bridge owners. The FHWA proposes New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, comments from the public to better the TRB contact recipients of IBRC Washington, DC 20590. inform its decisions. DOT posts these VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1


Document Created: 2016-11-16 00:57:54
Document Modified: 2016-11-16 00:57:54
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice and request for comment.
DatesComments must be received on or before December 16, 2016.
ContactMr. Derek Constable, Office of Bridges and Structures, (202) 366-4606, or via email at [email protected]; Mr. Shay Burrows, Office of Bridges and Structures, (202) 366-4675, or via email at [email protected]; for legal questions, Mr. Robert Black, (202) 366-1359, or via email at [email protected], 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation81 FR 80712 
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