83 FR 54876 - Design Standards for Highways

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 212 (November 1, 2018)

Page Range54876-54881
FR Document2018-23821

This final rule updates the regulations governing design standards and standard specifications that apply to new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance resurfacing), restoration, and rehabilitation projects on the National Highway System (NHS). In issuing this final rule, FHWA incorporates by reference the latest versions of design standards and standard specifications previously adopted and incorporated by reference, and removes the corresponding outdated or superseded versions of these standards and specifications. Use of the updated standards is required for all NHS projects authorized to proceed with design activities on or after the effective date of the final rule.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 212 (Thursday, November 1, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 212 (Thursday, November 1, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54876-54881]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23821]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 625

[Docket No. FHWA-2017-0001]
RIN 2125-AF72


Design Standards for Highways

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule updates the regulations governing design 
standards

[[Page 54877]]

and standard specifications that apply to new construction, 
reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance resurfacing), 
restoration, and rehabilitation projects on the National Highway System 
(NHS). In issuing this final rule, FHWA incorporates by reference the 
latest versions of design standards and standard specifications 
previously adopted and incorporated by reference, and removes the 
corresponding outdated or superseded versions of these standards and 
specifications. Use of the updated standards is required for all NHS 
projects authorized to proceed with design activities on or after the 
effective date of the final rule.

DATES: This final rule is effective December 3, 2018. The incorporation 
by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of December 3, 2018. The 
incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in the 
rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
November 12, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Hilton, Office of Program 
Administration (HIPA-20), (512) 536-5970, or via email at 
[email protected], or Jomar Maldonado, Office of the Chief 
Counsel (HCC-30), (202) 366-1373, or via email at 
[email protected]. 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 and Filing

    This document, the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), and all 
comments received may be viewed online under the docket number noted 
above through the Federal eRulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. Electronic submission and retrieval help and 
guidelines are available on the website. Please follow the online 
instructions. An electronic copy of this document may also be 
downloaded from the Office of the Federal Register's website at: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register and the Government Publishing 
Office's website at: http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys.

Background

    This rulemaking updates existing regulations governing new 
construction, reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance 
resurfacing), restoration, and rehabilitation projects on the NHS 
(including the Interstate System), by incorporating by reference the 
current versions of design standards and standard specifications 
previously adopted and incorporated by reference under 23 CFR 625.4, 
and removing the outdated or superseded versions of these standards and 
specifications. Several of these design standards and standard 
specifications were established by the American Association of State 
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Welding 
Society (AWS) and were previously adopted by FHWA through rulemaking. 
The new standards or specifications replace previous versions of these 
documents and represent the most recent refinements that professional 
organizations have formally accepted. The FHWA formally adopts them for 
NHS projects.
    The revisions include referencing the 2016 edition of the AASHTO A 
Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System; the 2017 edition of 
Transportation Materials, parts 1-3; the 2017 edition of the AASHTO 
Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Construction 
Specifications; the 2015 edition of the AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5:2015 
Bridge Welding Code (as reprinted in 2016), with 2018 Interim 
Revisions; and the 2017 edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design 
Specifications. The revisions will also adopt two alternative 
specifications: the 2013 edition of AASHTO's Standard Specifications 
for Structural Supports of Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic 
Signals (including Errata September 2013), with 2015 Interim Revisions, 
as well as the 2015 edition of AASHTO's LRFD Specifications for 
Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 
with 2017 and 2018 Interim Revisions.
    The AASHTO is an organization that represents 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 Transportation is 
an ex-officio member, and DOT staff participates in various AASHTO 
activities as nonvoting representatives. Among other functions, 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 that were approved 
by FHWA and incorporated into 23 CFR part 625 were developed and issued 
by AASHTO.
    While these adopted standards and specifications apply to all 
projects on the NHS (including the Interstate System), FHWA encourages 
the use of flexibility and a context-sensitive approach to consider a 
full range of project and user needs and the impacts to the community 
and natural and human environment. The FHWA also encourages State 
departments of transportation (State DOT) and local agencies to 
consider using design exceptions to achieve a design that balances 
project and user needs, performance, cost, environmental implications, 
and community values. These adopted design standards provide a range of 
acceptable values for highway features, and this flexibility should 
allow for a design that best suits the desires of the community while 
satisfying the purpose for the project and needs of its users.
    At a minimum, State DOTs and local agencies should select design 
values based on an evaluation of the context of the facility, needs of 
all the various project users, safety, mobility (i.e., traffic 
performance), human and natural environmental impacts, and project 
costs. For most situations, there is sufficient flexibility within the 
range of acceptable values to achieve a balanced design. However, when 
this is not possible, a design exception may be appropriate. State and 
local agencies may consider designs that deviate from the design 
standards when warranted based on the conditions, context, and 
consequences of the proposed projects. Additional information on FHWA's 
adopted design standards and design exceptions is available at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/design/standards and in FHWA's publication titled 
Mitigation Strategies for Design Exceptions, available at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/geometric/pubs/mitigationstrategies/fhwa_sa_07011.pdf.

Discussion Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The documents that FHWA is incorporating by reference are 
reasonably available to interested parties, primarily State DOTs and 
local agencies carrying out Federal-aid highway projects. These 
documents represent the most recent refinements that professional 
organizations have formally accepted and are currently in use by the 
transportation industry. The documents are also available for review at 
DOT's National Transportation Library or may be obtained from AASHTO or 
AWS. The specific standards are discussed in greater detail elsewhere 
in this preamble.

Section-by-Section Discussion of Changes to 23 CFR Part 625

    The FHWA is removing the introductory text of Sec.  625.4. It is 
duplicative of information contained in paragraph (d) and does not meet 
Office of the Federal Register formatting

[[Page 54878]]

requirements for incorporation by reference.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(a)(2) to replace the reference to 
the January 2005 edition of A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate 
System with the May 2016 edition. This Policy is a comprehensive manual 
to assist State DOTs and local agencies in administrative, planning, 
and educational efforts pertaining to design formulation for projects 
on the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense 
Highways (Interstate). The AASHTO May 2016 edition incorporates the 
latest research and current industry practices, and is applicable to 
new construction and reconstruction projects on the Interstate except 
in Alaska and Puerto Rico (23 U.S.C. 103(c)(1)(B)(ii)). Resurfacing, 
restoration, and rehabilitation projects must meet the Interstate 
standards that were in place at the time of original construction or 
inclusion into the Interstate System. The updated guide clarifies 
ambiguities in the prior edition and provides additional flexibility 
regarding the design traffic volumes to be accommodated. It increases 
the median width in rural areas to reduce cross-median crashes and adds 
recommendations about extended access control and multimodal 
considerations at interchanges. Basic criteria for other geometric 
design standards remain essentially the same. The Agency considers the 
changes made in the 2016 version minor in nature.
    With respect to the design standards and standards specifications 
for bridges and structures under Sec.  625.4(b), FHWA is adopting the 
current versions of the standards and specifications it has previously 
adopted from AASHTO and AWS. The updated documents contain changes that 
represent discoveries or improvements in the state-of-the-knowledge and 
practices of State DOTs and local agencies that have occurred since the 
previous standards and specifications were incorporated by reference 
into 23 CFR part 625.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(b)(2) to incorporate by reference 
the current version of the revised AASHTO bridge construction 
specifications entitled LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 4th 
Edition. These specifications, which are intended for use in the 
construction of bridges, employ the LRFD methodology and are designed 
to be used in conjunction with the below referenced AASHTO LRFD Bridge 
Design Specifications. Changes in the 4th Edition reflect the latest 
research and developments, and specifications promulgated by AASHTO.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(b)(3) to incorporate by reference 
the current version of the revised AASHTO bridge design specifications 
entitled AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 8th Edition. The 
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications are intended for use in the 
design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of bridges, and are mandated by 
the FHWA for use on all bridges using Federal funding. These 
Specifications employ the LRFD methodology using factors developing 
from current statistical knowledge of loads and structural performance. 
Changes in the 8th Edition reflect the latest research, developments, 
and specifications promulgated by AASHTO.
    The FHWA is making a minor editorial correction to the reference to 
the LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications referenced in 
paragraph Sec.  625.4(b)(4) to change ``including'' to ``with'' when 
citing the Interim Revisions, but is not changing the material that is 
already incorporated.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(b)(5) to incorporate by reference 
the current version of the revised AASHTO bridge welding code entitled 
AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5:2015-AMD1 Bridge Welding Code; AASHTO, as 
corrected and reprinted in 2016, and including 2018 Interim Revisions 
(The 2015 publication was the 7th edition). This document covers AASHTO 
welding requirements for welded highway bridges made from carbon and 
low-alloy construction steels. Chapters cover design of welded 
connections, workmanship, technique, procedure and performance 
qualification, inspection, and stud welding. Changes in the 7th 
Edition, including the 2018 Interim Revisions, reflect the latest 
research, developments, and specifications promulgated by AASHTO and 
AWS.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(b)(7) to incorporate by reference 
two alternative Specifications applicable to the structural design of 
supports for highway signs, luminaires, and traffic signals. State DOTs 
must choose one of these alternative Specifications to guide the 
design, fabrication, and erection of these types of supports. The first 
alternative is the most current version of the revised AASHTO 
structural support specification entitled Standard Specifications for 
Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 
6th Edition, AASHTO, 2013, with 2015 Interim Revisions. Changes in the 
2015 Interim Revisions reflect more recent research, developments, and 
specifications promulgated by AASHTO than the prior adopted version. 
The second alternative Specification is AASHTO's LRFD Specifications 
for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic 
Signals, 1st Edition, AASHTO, 2015, with 2017 and 2018 Interim 
Revisions. While the LRFD specification is a more comprehensive, 
improved specification that reflects the latest research and knowledge, 
the agency has determined that design pursuant to either Specification 
provides for safe and reliable structural supports for highways signs, 
luminaires, and traffic signals.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(c)(2) to incorporate by reference 
the current version of the revised AASHTO sampling and testing 
specification entitled 2017 Edition of Transportation Materials AASHTO, 
2017. It contains specifications, test methods, and provisional 
standards commonly used in the construction of highway facilities. This 
edition of the standard specifications will replace those adopted by 
AASHTO in 1995. Changes in the 2016 standard specifications reflect 
current materials and testing technologies and practices.
    The FHWA is revising Sec.  625.4(c)(3) to update the title and 
cross-reference of the referenced regulation to ``Quality Assurance 
Procedures for Construction.''
    Use of the updated standards will be required for all NHS projects 
authorized to proceed with design activities on or after the effective 
date of the final rule, subject to the exceptions in 23 CFR 625.3(f).

Summary Discussion of Comments Received in Response to the NPRM

    On May 11, 2018, FHWA published an NPRM in the Federal Register at 
83 FR 21972 soliciting public comments on its proposal to update the 
existing regulations. The following presents an overview of the 
comments received to the NPRM. The docket contained 4 total comments. 
The FHWA appreciates the feedback the commenters provided, carefully 
reviewed and analyzed all the comments that were submitted, and made 
revisions to the NPRM to incorporate suggestions where necessary.
    An individual commented that the Standard Specifications for 
Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 
6th Edition, AASHTO, 2013 with 2015 Interim Revisions had been 
superseded by the LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for 
Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 1st Edition, AASHTO, 
2015, with 2017 and 2018 Interim Revisions.

[[Page 54879]]

    The LRFD Specification does not supersede the Standard 
Specification. At this time, many State DOTs are using the Standard 
Specification and are not ready to fully implement the LRFD 
Specification. Because the LRFD specification is a more comprehensive, 
improved specification that reflects the latest research and knowledge, 
FHWA plans to work with AASHTO to develop a timeline to phase out use 
of the Standard Specification in the future. However, the agency has 
determined that design pursuant to either Specification provides for 
safe and reliable structural supports for highways signs, luminaires, 
and traffic signals.\1\ Therefore, in the interim, FHWA is adopting the 
updated Standard Specification and the LRFD Specification as 
alternative Specifications applicable to the structural design of 
supports for highway signs, luminaires, and traffic signals. States 
DOTs must choose one of these alternative Specifications to guide the 
design, fabrication, and erection of these types of supports. 
Accordingly, FHWA has revised Sec.  625.4(b)(7) to accommodate State 
DOTs that are ready to begin transitioning to the LRFD Specification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This determination is supported by National Cooperative 
Highway Research Program Report 796: Development and Calibration of 
AASHTO LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, which found that ``[t]he 
[LRFD Specifications] were calibrated using the AASHTO [Standard 
Specifications] allowable stress design method as a baseline,'' 
which means that both the Standard Specifications and the LRFD 
Specifications ensure a consistent level of safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    That individual also commented that 2018 Interim Revisions had been 
released for the 2015 Bridge Welding Code, 7th Edition.
    These Interim Revisions were not available when the NPRM was 
developed, however, FHWA has decided to incorporate the 2018 Interim 
Revisions by reference in this final rule because they reflect the 
latest research, developments, and specifications promulgated by AASHTO 
and AWS.
    An individual commenter suggested that rather than adopt specific 
editions of standards, FHWA should adopt ``the most current version at 
the time of contract advertisement,'' to eliminate the need to 
continuously revise 23 CFR part 625.
    Procedures and requirements for incorporation by reference are 
covered in 1 CFR part 51, which requires that the language 
incorporating a publication by reference be precise and complete and 
must clearly state the title, date, edition, author, publisher and 
identification number of the publication. Therefore, no change was made 
to the final rule.
    An individual commented that the updated standards would not allow 
certain products and therefore provided for a lower margin of safety.
    The final rule adopts current versions of industry publications and 
does not pertain to specific merchandise or products. Use of these 
current publications will improve safety because the newer versions 
incorporate updated research within each specific area of concern. 
Therefore, no change was made to the final rule.
    An individual commented that existing practice of allowing for 
design exceptions undermined existing regulations.
    Design exceptions, which have been allowed by the regulations for 
decades, are essential to developing projects that are congruent with 
the natural surroundings, community context, and the purpose and need 
of the project. Therefore, no change was made to the final rule.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive Order 
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), Executive Order 
13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs), and USDOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The FHWA has determined that this action does not constitute a 
significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 
(E.O.) 12866 or within the meaning of DOT regulatory policies and 
procedures. The amendments update several industry design standards and 
standard specifications adopted and incorporated by reference under 23 
CFR part 625 and removes the corresponding outdated or superseded 
versions of these standards and specifications. In addition, this 
action complies with the principles of E.O. 13563. After evaluating the 
costs and benefits of these amendments, FHWA anticipates that the 
economic impact of this rulemaking is minimal. These incremental 
changes are not anticipated to adversely affect, in any material way, 
any sector of the economy. In addition, these changes will not create a 
serious inconsistency with any other agency's action or materially 
alter the budgetary impact of any entitlements, grants, user fees, or 
loan programs. These updated standards and specifications represent the 
most recent refinements that professional organizations have formally 
accepted. The FHWA anticipates that the economic impact of this 
rulemaking will be minimal; therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is 
not necessary. Finally, this rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory 
action because it is not significant under E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354; 
5 U.S.C. 60l-612), FHWA has evaluated the effects of this final rule on 
small entities, such as local governments and businesses. Based on the 
evaluation, FHWA anticipates that this action does not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The amendments update several industry design standards and standard 
specifications adopted and incorporated by reference under 23 CFR part 
625. The FHWA believes the projected impact upon small entities that 
utilize Federal-aid highway program funding for the development of 
highway improvement projects on the NHS is negligible. Therefore, I 
certify that the action will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The FHWA has determined that this rule does not impose unfunded 
mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. 104-4, March 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 48). The actions in this final rule 
will not result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $155 
million or more in any 1 year (when adjusted for inflation) in 2014 
dollars for either State, local, and Tribal governments in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector. In addition, the definition of 
``Federal Mandate'' in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act excludes 
financial assistance of the type in which State, local, or Tribal 
governments have authority to adjust their participation in the program 
in accordance with changes made in the program by the Federal 
Government. The Federal-aid highway program permits this type of 
flexibility.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment)

    The FHWA has analyzed this final rule in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in E.O. 13132. The FHWA has 
determined that this action does not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The 
FHWA has also determined that this action does not preempt any State 
law or State regulation or affect the

[[Page 54880]]

States' ability to discharge traditional State governmental functions.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    The regulations implementing E.O. 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program. 
This E.O. applies because State and local governments are directly 
affected by this regulation, which is a condition on Federal highway 
funding. Local entities should refer to the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction, 
for further information.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget for each collection of information they conduct, 
sponsor, or require through regulations. The FHWA has determined that 
this final rule does not contain collection of information requirements 
for the purposes of the PRA.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The FHWA has analyzed this final rule for the purposes of the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) and 
has determined that this action does not have any effect on the quality 
of the human and natural environment because it only makes technical 
changes and incorporate by reference the latest versions of design 
standards and standard specifications previously adopted and 
incorporated by reference under 23 CFR part 625 and removes the 
corresponding outdated or superseded versions of these standards and 
specifications. The final rule qualifies as a categorical exclusion to 
NEPA under 23 CFR 771.117(c)(20).

Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)

    The FHWA has analyzed this final rule under EO13175, and believes 
that it will not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian 
Tribes, does not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian 
Tribal governments, and does not preempt Tribal law. This rule does not 
impose any direct compliance requirements on Indian Tribal governments 
nor does it have any economic or other impacts on the viability of 
Indian Tribes. Therefore, a Tribal summary impact statement is not 
required.

Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects)

    The FHWA has analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. The FHWA has determined that this action is not a 
significant energy action under the E.O. and is not likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy. Therefore, a Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    The FHWA has analyzed this rule under E.O. 12630, Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights. The FHWA does not anticipate that this action will effect a 
taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under 
E.O. 12630.

Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This action meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate 
ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children)

    The FHWA has analyzed this action under E.O. 13045, Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The FHWA 
certifies that this action will not cause an environmental risk to 
health or safety that may disproportionately affect children.

Regulation Identifier Number

    A Regulation Identifier 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 October of each year. The RIN number 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.

    Issued on: October 24, 2018.
Brandye L. Hendrickson,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.

    In consideration of the foregoing, FHWA amends 23 CFR part 625 as 
follows:

PART 625--DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIGHWAYS

0
 1. The authority citation for part 625 continues to read as follows:

    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).


0
 2. Amend Sec.  625.4 by:
0
a. Removing the introductory text;
0
b. Revising paragraphs (a)(2), (b)(2) through (5), (7), (c)(2) and (3), 
the introductory text of paragraph (d), and paragraphs (d)(1)(ii), 
(iv), (v), (vii), and (viii);
0
c. Adding paragraphs (d)(1)(ix) and (x); and
0
d. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (d)(2).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  625.4  Standards, policies, and standard specifications.

    (a) * * *
    (2) A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System, AASHTO 
(paragraph (d) of this section).
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications (paragraph (d) 
of this section).
    (3) AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (paragraph (d) of this 
section).
    (4) AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications 
(paragraph (d) of this section).
    (5) AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code (paragraph (d) of 
this section).
* * * * *
    (7) Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, (paragraph (d) of this 
section); or LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway 
Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals (paragraph (d) of this section).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Transportation Materials, AASHTO (paragraph (d) of this 
section).
    (3) Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction, refer to 23 CFR 
part 637, subpart B.
    (d) Documents incorporated by reference. The standards required in 
this section are incorporated by reference into this section with the 
approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at 
U.S. Department of Transportation's National Transportation Library at 
1200 New

[[Page 54881]]

Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; (800) 853-1351 and is available 
from the sources indicated below. It is also available for inspection 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (1) * * *
    (ii) A Policy on Design Standards--Interstate System, May 2016.
* * * * *
    (iv) AASHTO-LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 4th Edition, 
copyright 2017.
    (v) AASHTO LRFD-8, LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 8th Edition, 
2017.
* * * * *
    (vii) AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5: 2015-AMD1, Bridge Welding Code, 
Amendment: Second Printing December 12, 2016; with
    (A) AASHTO BWC-7-I1-OL, 2018 Interim Revisions to AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/
D1.5: 2015 Bridge Welding Code, 7th Edition, copyright 2017.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (viii) AASHTO LTS-6, Standard Specifications for Structural 
Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 6th 
Edition, copyright 2013, with:
    (A) AASHTO LTS-6-I1, 2015 Interim Revisions to Standard 
Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, 
and Traffic Signals, copyright 2014.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ix) AASHTO LRFDLTS-1, LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports 
for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 1st Edition, 
copyright 2015, with:
    (A) AASHTO LRFDLTS-1-I1-OL, 2017 Interim Revisions to LRFD 
Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, 
and Traffic Signals, copyright 2016, and
    (B) AASHTO LRFDLTS-1-I2-OL, 2018 Interim Revisions to LRFD 
Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, 
and Traffic Signals, copyright 2017.
    (x) 2017 Edition of Transportation Materials, Parts 1-3, copyright 
2017.
    (2) American Welding Society (AWS), 8669 NW 36 Street, #130 Miami, 
FL 33166-6672; www.aws.org; or (800) 443-9353 or (305) 443-9353.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-23821 Filed 10-31-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P


Current View
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis final rule is effective December 3, 2018. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 3, 2018. The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in the rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 12, 2015.
ContactElizabeth Hilton, Office of Program Administration (HIPA-20), (512) 536-5970, or via email at [email protected], or Jomar Maldonado, Office of the Chief Counsel (HCC-30), (202) 366-1373, or via email at [email protected] Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation83 FR 54876 
RIN Number2125-AF72
CFR AssociatedDesign Standards; Grant Programs-Transportation; Highways and Roads and Incorporation by Reference

2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR