Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; Tourist Oriented Directional Signs, Recreation and Cultural Interest Signs, and Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-1998-4720]

RIN 2125-AE50

Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;

Tourist Oriented Directional Signs, Recreation and Cultural Interest

Signs, and Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic

Control Devices (MUTCD); request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The MUTCD is incorporated by reference in FHWA regulations

regarding traffic control devices on Federal-aid and other streets and

highways, approved by the Federal Highway Administrator, and recognized

as the national standard for traffic control on all public roads.

This document proposes new text for the MUTCD in Chapter 2G-Tourist

Oriented Directional Signs (TODS), Chapter 2H-Recreation and Cultural

Interest Area Signs, and Part 9, Traffic Controls for Bicycle

Facilities. The purpose of this rewrite effort is to reformat the text

for clarity of intended meanings, to include metric dimensions and

values for the design and installation of traffic control devices, and

to improve the overall organization and discussion of the contents in

the MUTCD. The proposed changes to the MUTCD are intended to expedite

traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety, and incorporate technology

advances in traffic control device application.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 24, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Signed, written comments should refer to the docket number

that appears at the top of this document and must be submitted to the

Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,

Washington, DC 20590-0001. All comments received will be available for

examination at the above address between 10 a.m. and 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the notice

of proposed amendments contact Ms. Linda Brown, Office of Highway

Safety, Room 3414, (202) 366-2192, or Mr. Raymond Cuprill, Office of

Chief Counsel, Room 4217, (202) 366-0834, Department of Transportation,

Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC

20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

Internet users can access all comments received by the U.S. DOT

Dockets, Room PL 401, by using the universal resource locator

(URL):http/dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days

each year. Please follow the instructions online for more information

and help. An electronic copy of this notice of proposed amendment may

be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from

the Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at

(202) 512-1661. Internet users may reach the Federal Register's home

page at: http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing

Office's database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

The text for the proposed sections of the MUTCD is available from

the FHWA Office of Highway Safety (HHS-10) or from the FHWA Home Page

at the URL: http://www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/devices/mutcd.html. Please note

that the current rewrite sections contained in this docket for MUTCD

Chapters 2G, 2H, and Part 9 will take approximately 8 weeks from the

date of publication before they will be available at this web site.

Background

The 1988 MUTCD with its revisions are available for inspection and

copying as prescribed in 49 CFR Part 7. It may be purchased for $57.00

(Domestic) or $71.25 (Foreign) from the Superintendent of Documents,

U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7954, Stock No. 650-001-00001-0. This document is being issued to

provide an opportunity for public comment on the desirability of

proposed amendments to the MUTCD. Based on the comments received and

upon its own experience, the FHWA may issue a final rule concerning the

proposed changes included in this document.

The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD)

has taken the lead in this effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD.

The NCUTCD is a national organization of individuals from the American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the National Association

of County Engineers (NACE), the American Public Works Association

(APWA), and other organizations that have extensive experience in the

installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. The NCUTCD

voluntarily assumed the arduous task of rewriting and reformatting the

MUTCD, which is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart

F. The NCUTCD proposal is available from the U.S. DOT Dockets (see

address above). Pursuant to 23 CFR Part 655, the FHWA is responsible

for approval of changes to the MUTCD.

The FHWA announced its intent to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD on

January 10, 1992, at 57 FR 1134. Although the MUTCD will be revised in

its entirety, it is being completed in phases due to the enormous

volume of text. The FHWA reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for MUTCD Part

3--Markings, Part 4--Signals, and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-

Rail Intersections. The summary of proposed changes for Parts 3, 4, and

8 were published as Phase 1 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous

notice of proposed amendment dated January 6, 1997, at 62 FR 691. The

FHWA reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for Part 1--General Provisions and

Part 7--Traffic Control for School Areas. The summary of proposed

changes for Parts 1 and 7 were published as phase 2 of the MUTCD

rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed amendment dated

December 5, 1997, at 62 FR 64324. The FHWA reviewed the NCUTCD's

proposal for Chapter 2A--General Provisions and Standards for Signs,

Chapter 2D--Guide Signs for

[[Page 33803]]

Conventional Roads, Chapter 2E--Guide Signs for Expressways and

Freeways, Chapter 2F--Specific Service Signs, and Chapter 2I--Signing

for Civil Defense. The summary of proposed changes for Chapters 2A, 2D,

2E, 2F, and 2I were published as Phase 3 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in

a previous notice of proposed amendment dated June 11, 1998, at 63 FR

31950.

This notice of proposed amendment is Phase 4 of the MUTCD rewrite

effort and includes the summary of proposed changes for MUTCD Chapter

2G, Chapter 2H, and Part 9. The public will have an opportunity to

review and comment on the remaining parts of the MUTCD in a future

notice of proposed amendment. The remaining parts and chapters are as

follows: Part 5--Traffic Control for Low Volume Roads; Part 6--Traffic

Control for Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident

Management; Part 10--Traffic Control for Light Rail Operations; Chapter

2B--Regulatory Signs; and Chapter 2C--Warning Signs; Update for Part

1--General Provisions; and an Update for Part 4--Signals.

The FHWA invites comments on the proposed text for Chapter 2G,

Chapter 2H, and Part 9 of the MUTCD. A summary of the significant

changes contained in these sections of the Manual are discussed in this

notice of proposed amendment. The proposed new style of the MUTCD would

be a 3-ring binder with 8\1/2\ x 11 inch pages. Each part of the MUTCD

would be printed separately in a bound format and then included in the

3-ring binder. If someone needed to reference information on a specific

part of the MUTCD, it would be easy to remove that individual part from

the binder. The proposed new text would be in column format and contain

four categories as follows: (1) Standards--representing ``shall''

conditions; (2) Guidance--representing ``should'' conditions; (3)

Options--representing ``may'' conditions; and (4) Support--representing

descriptive and/or general information. This new format would make it

easier to distinguish standards, guidance, and optional conditions for

the design, placement, and application of traffic control devices. For

review purposes during this rewrite effort, dimensions will be shown in

both metric and English units. This will make it easier to compare text

shown in the 1988 Edition with the proposed new edition. However, the

adopted final version of the new MUTCD will be solely in metric units.

This effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD will be an ongoing

activity over the next two to three years.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2G--Tourist Oriented

Directional Signs (TODS)

The following items are the most significant proposed revisions to

Chapter 2G:

In Section 2G.1, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to define the terms

``panel'' and ``sign'' as used throughout Chapter 2G. The proposed

definition is as follows: A ``panel'' consists of the name or

identification of the business, service, or activity facility. A

tourist oriented directional ``sign'' consists of one or more panels.

In Section 2G.1, paragraph 5, the FHWA proposes to add a

recommended criteria that tourist oriented directional signs (TODS)

should not be used where the facility and its on-premise advertising

signs are readily visible from the roadway. This is consistent with the

proposed criteria for specific service signs (Chapter 2F) in a

previously published notice of proposed amendment.

In Section 2G.2, paragraph 2, the FHWA proposes to include a

standard that each tourist oriented directional panel shall display

only one eligible business, service, or activity facility.

In the 1988 MUTCD, Figure 2-53 shows 6 feet as the maximum sign

height for tourist oriented directional signs. To be consistent with

the figure, the FHWA proposes to include a discussion of this 6 feet

maximum sign height in paragraph 1 of the proposed text for Section

2G.4, Arrangement and Size of Signs. The FHWA also proposes to clarify

the text previously contained in the 1988 MUTCD for the arrangement,

number, and size of tourist oriented directional signs.

In 2G.5, paragraph 6, the FHWA proposes to include an OPTION to

clarify that in cases where directional word messages such as NEXT

RIGHT (LEFT) or AHEAD are appropriate for application, this additional

information may be added to the 6 feet maximum sign height.

In Section 2G.6, paragraph 5, the FHWA proposes to require that all

tourist directional signs (TODS), rather than only the advance TODS

signs as in the 1988 MUTCD, shall not obstruct the road user's view of

other traffic control devices. This is consistent with the current

policy that the location of other traffic control devices takes

precedence over the location of TODS.

In Section 2G.7, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to add the equal

opportunity criteria of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub.

L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241) as a STANDARD condition for TODS, since most

Federal programs require compliance with the Title VI regulations. This

is consistent with what was proposed for specific service signs in

Section 2F.1, paragraph 4.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2H--Recreation and

Cultural Interest Symbol Signs

The following are the most significant proposed changes to Chapter

2H:

Chapter 2H contains standards for the design, application, and

placement of recreational and cultural interest signs. Based on a

Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Highway Administration

and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, many of the

symbols used by the Forest Service are adopted by reference in the

MUTCD and ``Standard Highway Signs'' (SHS) Book.1 These

symbols were referred to as the ``88 Forest Service Symbol Signs.'' In

1997, the Forest Service submitted a request to modify some and adopt

other recreational and cultural interest area symbols. Diagrams of

these signs are shown in the proposed text. The proposed text can be

requested from the FHWA, Office of Highway Safety as indicated in the

preface of this notice of proposed amendment.

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\1\ ``Standard Highway Signs,'' FHWA, 1979 Edition is included

by reference in the 1988 MUTCD. It is available for purchase from

the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O.

Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. It is available for

inspection and copying at the FHWA Washington Headquarters and all

FHWA division Offices as prescribed at 49 CFR part 7.

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The FHWA proposes to modify the following existing recreation and

cultural interest signs to improve their visibility and make the sign

design less complex: Litter Container (RG-130), Ranger Station (RG-

170), Picnic Area (RM-120), Laundry (RA-060), Sleeping Shelter (RA-110)

and Interpretative Trail (RL-130).

The FHWA is proposing to adopt the following Forest Service symbols

and include them in the SHS Book: Motor Home (RM-200), Group Picnicking

(RM-220), Group Camping (RM-210), Dog (RG-240), Seaplane (RG-260),

Family Restroom (RA-150), Helicopter (RA-160), All-Terrain Vehicle (RL-

170), Archer (RL-190), Hang Glider (RL-210), Fishing Pier (RW-160),

Hand Launch for Boating (RW-170), Kayak (RW-190), Wind Surf (RW-210),

and Chairlift for Skiing (RS-100).

In Section 2H.1, the FHWA proposes to expand the use of recreation

and cultural interest signs to provide the OPTION of using these

symbols on directional guide signs found on expressways and freeways.

The 1988

[[Page 33804]]

MUTCD provided only the Winter and Marine recreation and cultural

interest signs for use on expressway and freeway guide signs.

Table II-6, ``Category and Usage Chart'' on pages 2H-3 and 2H-4 of

the 1988 MUTCD has been deleted. Based on the FHWA's proposal to expand

the use of recreation and cultural interest signs to include not just

conventional roads but also to include unrestricted use on expressways

and freeways as well, the discussion of road/type usage is no longer

appropriate. In addition, the signs and series numbers are more

appropriate for inclusion in the SHS Book.

In Section 2H.5, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to delete Table II-

7, ``Sign Sizes,'' of the 1988 MUTCD which shows the recreational and

cultural interest sign sizes based on road types. Instead of using this

table to discuss road types and sign sizes, the FHWA proposes to

discuss only the information on sign sizes. This information will be

shown in paragraph format rather than in a table.

In Section 2H.6, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to recommend that

the width of educational plaques used with recreational and cultural

interest signs should be equal to the width of the symbol sign. This

proposed change will simplify manufacturer specifications and sign

installation procedures.

In the 1988 MUTCD, Sections 2H-10 through 2H-15 gave a general

description of the categories of recreation and cultural interest

symbol signs. The FHWA proposes to delete these sections since the

category titles are self-explanatory and the categories are shown in

Section 2H.4 of the proposed text. The FHWA proposes to show diagrams

and details for each sign category in the SHS Book.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Part 9--Traffic Controls for

Bicycle Facilities

The discussions contained in the following sections of the 1988

MUTCD are proposed for deletion: Sections 9A-1, 9A-4, 9A-6, 9A-7, and

9A-9. The information contained in these sections can be found in Part

1 of the MUTCD and to repeat this information would appear redundant.

In Section 9A.3, two additional definitions have been proposed:

``bicycle lane'' and ``shared use path.'' These terms were not listed

in the definitions section of the proposed text for Part 1, published

in the Federal Register dated December 5, 1997. However, the FHWA plans

to add these terms to the proposed definitions section of MUTCD Part 1,

in a notice of proposed amendment which will be published at a later

date. In Part 9 of the 1988 MUTCD, the term ``designated bicycle lane''

was used. The definition for the proposed term ``bicycle lane'' is

similar to the definition of ``designated bicycle lane.'' In Part 9 of

the 1988 MUTCD the term ``bicycle trail'' was used. The definition for

the proposed term ``shared use path'' is similar to the definition of

``bicycle trail'' except it has been expanded to include wheelchair

users, skaters, pedestrians, and joggers.

In Section 9B.1, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussion on

application and location of signs as previously discussed in sections

9B-1 and 9B-2 of the 1988 MUTCD into one section entitled,

``Application and Placement of Signs.'' In paragraph 2, the FHWA

proposes to include the dimensions shown in Figure 9-1 of the 1988

MUTCD for lateral sign clearance so that the text discusses the same

information shown in the figure. The FHWA proposes to change the

minimum vertical mounting height for ground-mounted signs used on

shared-paths clearance from 1.2 m (4 feet) to 2.1 m (7 feet) as

proposed in Section 2A-18. The minimum mounting height of signs used on

bicycle paths would remain 1.2 m (4 feet).

The FHWA proposes to add a new Table 9B.1 ``Bikeway Sign Sizes.''

This table shows the dimensions and sizes that are contained in the SHS

Book. The table eliminates the need to show the dimensions and sizes in

the associated MUTCD text discussion and the need to refer the reader

to the SHS Book.

In Section 9B.6, the FHWA proposes to change the title (shown in

the 1988 MUTCD Section 9B-8) from ``Designated Lane Signs'' to

``Preferential Bicycle Lane Signs.'' This proposed change is consistent

with the definition section in Part 1 of the MUTCD rewrite.

In Section 9B.7, the FHWA proposes to change the title (shown in

the 1988 MUTCD Section 9B-9) from ``Travelpath Restriction Signs'' to

``Shared Use Path Restriction Sign.'' This proposed change in

terminology more clearly indicates the specific sign and the specific

message that a facility is to be shared by pedestrians and bicycles.

In Section 9B.9, the FHWA proposes to change the title (shown in

the 1988 MUTCD Section 9B-11) from ``No Parking Signs'' to ``No Parking

Bicycle Lane Signs.'' This proposed change more clearly distinguishes

the fact that the signs are intended for bicycle lanes.

In Section 9B.10, the FHWA proposes to change the title (shown in

the 1988 MUTCD Section 9B-12) from ``Lane Use Control Signs'' to

``Bicycle Preferential Lane-Use Control Signs.'' This proposed change

more clearly distinguishes lane-use control signs that relate to

bicycle traffic.

In Section 9B.17, paragraph 2, the FHWA proposes to change the

GUIDANCE from the 1988 MUTCD which recommends that the ``Bicycle Route

Marker'' (M1-8) should be used to establish a unique designation for a

State or local bicycle route. The FHWA proposes to change this

condition to an OPTION.

In Section 9C.2, paragraph 3, the FHWA proposes to clarify the

previous language in the 1988 MUTCD related to word messages stenciled

in the bike lanes. The FHWA proposes to clearly indicate that this

should be recommended practice. Pavement markings provide important

information to bicyclists, especially since the location of the

pavement marking is directly in the bicyclist's line of vision while

traveling. The FHWA is also proposing to add a new GUIDANCE to

recommend that pavement marking materials that will minimize loss of

traction for bicycles under wet conditions should be selected.

In Section 9C.3, paragraph 7, the FHWA proposes to change the

GUIDANCE to an OPTION for using a solid white line to separate

different types of users on shared use paths. The reason for this

proposed change is because there are other methods of separation that

may be used such as different pavement textures or materials.

The FHWA proposes to change the title of Section 9C.4 from

``Marking of Designated Bikeways'' to ``Marking of Preferential Bicycle

Lanes.'' This proposed change is consistent with the proposed new term

``Preferential Bicycle Lane'' that is defined in the proposed new

Section 1A.14, ``Definitions.'' Also in Section 9C.4, paragraph 2, the

FHWA proposes to add a sentence requiring signs to be used with the

preferential lane symbol. Using signs is particularly important for

notifying drivers of the appropriate travel lane for vehicle

positioning so as to prevent conflict with bicycle traffic. The FHWA

proposes to include the following new figures to demonstrate proper

installation of pavement marking treatments: Figure 9-4, ``Typical

Pavement Markings for Preferential Bicycle Lane on Two-Way Street'';

Figure 9-7, ``Typical Preferential Bicycle Lane Treatment at Right Turn

Only Lane''; and Figure 9-8, ``Typical Preferential Bicycle Lane

Treatment at Parking on Two-Way Street with Parking and Right Turn Only

Lane.''

[[Page 33805]]

The FHWA is also proposing to delete the preferential lane symbol

(diamond) for bicycles. The intended meaning of this symbol is to

indicate ``exclusive use lanes.'' However, many people misinterpret the

meaning of this symbol to apply to high occupancy vehicles (HOV) lanes

only. Both the R3-16 and R3-17 signs and the pavement marking would be

affected by this proposed change. Bicycle lanes would be identified by

using the bicycle symbol or the words ``BIKE LANE'' or ``BIKE LANE

ONLY'' as pavement markings. See Figure 9-5 for an example of these

markings. Please note that such a change would include a very generous

phase-in period so as not to be a financial burden on those

implementing the changes. FHWA is considering a compliance date of 7 to

10 years after publication in the Federal Register.

FHWA is also adding two new symbol signs: (1) the R3-17a is for

situations where ``on street parking'' is allowed next to a bicycle

lane, and (2) the R3-16a is used to indicate that a bicycle lane is

ending.

In Section 9C.6 the FHWA proposes changing the title from ``Object

Markers on Bicycle Trails'' to ``Object Markers on Shared Use Paths.''

The proposed term ``Shared Use Paths'' is a more accurate description

than bicycle trails. The proposed definition of shared use paths is ``A

separate trail or path from which motor vehicles are prohibited and

which is for the shared use of bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users,

joggers, and pedestrians. Where such trail or path forms a part of a

highway, it is separated from the roadways for motor vehicle traffic by

an open space or barrier.''

The FHWA proposes including a separate Section 9C.7 to cover the

discussion on pavement markings used for obstructions on bikeways.

Although this discussion was formerly included as part of the

discussion on object markers, the FHWA believes that separating these

two distinct types of traffic control devices is appropriate.

In Section 9D.2, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussion on

visibility requirements with the discussion on signal operations for

bicycles. In the 1988 MUTCD (Sections 9D-2 and 9D-3) these two

discussions were inappropriately handled as separate sections. The two

sections are related and should be combined. Instead of using the term

``programmed signals,'' the FHWA proposes to use the term ``visibility-

limited signal faces.'' The FHWA proposes to make it a requirement that

signal timing on bikeways be reviewed and adjusted to consider the

visibility needs of bicyclists.

Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Part 9 of the 1988 MUTCD

The following adopted change was published in a previous final rule

on June 19, 1998, at 63 FR 33546 and is highlighted in this discussion

of proposed changes for purpose of consistency:

Section 9B.2, paragraph 5 has been modified to reference the option

to use fluorescent yellow-green as the background color for Bicycle

Crossing signs.

The following adopted change was published in a previous final rule

on January 9, 1997, at 62 FR 1368 and is highlighted in this discussion

of proposed changes for purpose of consistency:

Section 9B.15, paragraph 2 has been modified to reference the

option to use the ``Share the Road'' (W16-1) sign in situations where

there is a need to warn motorists to watch for bicyclists traveling

along the highway.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

All comments received before the close of business on the comment

closing date indicated above will be considered and will be available

for examination in the docket at the above address. Comments received

after the comment closing date will be filed in the docket and will be

considered to the extent practicable, but the FHWA may issue a final

rule at any time after the close of the comment period. In addition to

late comments, the FHWA will also continue to file in the docket

relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing

date, and interested persons should continue to examine the docket for

new material.

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures

The FHWA has determined preliminarily that this action will not be

a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order

12866 or significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation

regulatory policies and procedures. It is anticipated that the economic

impact of this rulemaking would be minimal. The new standards and other

changes proposed in this notice are intended to improve traffic

operations and provide additional guidance, clarification, and optional

applications for traffic control devices. The FHWA expects that these

proposed changes will create uniformity and enhance safety and mobility

at little additional expense to public agencies or the motoring public.

Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Public Law 96-

354, 5 U.S.C. 601-612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this

proposed action on small entities. This notice of proposed rulemaking

adds some new and alternative traffic control devices and traffic

control device applications. The proposed new standards and other

changes are intended to expedite traffic, improve safety, and provide a

more uniform application of traffic control devices. Since most of the

proposed revisions provide recommended practice, expanded guidance, and

clarification of existing information, the FHWA hereby certifies that

these proposed revisions would not have a significant economic impact

on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

This proposed rule would not impose a Federal mandate resulting in

the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the

aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one

year (2 U.S.C. 1532).

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and

criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and the FHWA anticipates

that this action would not have sufficient federalism implications to

warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The MUTCD is

incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F, which requires

that changes to the national standards issued by the FHWA shall be

adopted by the States or other Federal agencies within two years of

issuance. The proposed amendment is in keeping with the Secretary of

Transportation's authority under 23 U.S.C. 109(d), 315, and 402(a) to

promulgate uniform guidelines to promote the safe and efficient use of

the highway. To the extent that this amendment would override any

existing State requirements regarding traffic control devices, it does

so in the interests of national uniformity.

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

[[Page 33806]]

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 1995, 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 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 655

Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and

roads, Incorporation by reference, Signs and symbols, Traffic

regulations.

(23 U.S.C. 109(d), 114(a), 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; 49 CFR 1.48)

Issued on: June 16, 1999.

Gloria J. Jeff,

Federal Highway Deputy Administrator.

[FR Doc. 99-16028 Filed 6-23-99; 8:45 am]

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