Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Carolina

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR 658

[FHWA Docket No. 96-12]

RIN 2125-AEO4

Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Carolina

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; (NPRM); request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA proposes to modify the National Network for

commercial motor vehicles by adding a route in North Carolina. The

National Network was established by a final rule on truck size and

weight published on June 5, 1984. This rulemaking proposes to add one

segment to the National Network as requested by the State of North

Carolina.

DATES: Comments on this docket must be received on or before December

20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit written, signed comments to FHWA Docket No. 96-12,

Federal Highway Administration, Room 4232, HCC-10, Office of Chief

Counsel, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,

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

examination at the above address between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 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:

Mr. Thomas Klimek, Office of Motor Carrier Information Management and

Analysis (202-366-2212), or Mr. Charles Medalen, Office of the Chief

Counsel (202-366-1354), Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh

Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to

4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The National Network of Interstate highways and federally-

designated routes, on which commercial vehicles with the dimensions

authorized by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982,

49 U.S.C. 31111, 31113-31114, may operate, was established by the final

rule published in the Federal Register on June 5, 1984 (49 FR 23302).

These highways are located in each State, the District of Columbia, and

Puerto Rico. Routes on the National Network are listed in appendix A of

Part 658.

Procedures for the addition and deletion of routes are outlined in

23 CFR 658.11 and include the issuance of a notice of proposed

rulemaking (NPRM) before final rulemaking.

The State of North Carolina, under authority of the Governor,

requests the addition of one segment to the National Network. The

segment has been reviewed by State and FHWA offices for general

adherence to the criteria of 23 CFR 658.9 and found to provide for the

safe operation of larger commercial vehicles and for the needs of

interstate commerce.

The segment requested is generally described as: US 74 between

alternate US 74 near Forest City and I-26 exit 36, in Polk County,

approximately 20 miles.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures

The FHWA has determined that this action does not constitute a

significant

regulatory action, within the meaning of E.O. 12866, nor is it

considered significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of

the DOT. It is anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking

will be minimal. This rulemaking proposes technical amendments to 23

CFR 658, adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory

provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the

National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system.

Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-

612), FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposal on small

entities. This rulemaking proposes technical amendments to 23 CFR 658,

adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory

provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the

National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system. This

rulemaking would, however, allow motor carriers, including small

carriers, access to a highway segment not available to them at the

present time.

Based on its evaluation of this proposal, the FHWA certifies that

this action would not have a significant economic impact on a

substantial number of small entities.

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and

criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined

that the proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications

to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.217, Motor

Carrier Safety. The Regulations implementing Executive Order 12372

regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal Programs and

activities do not apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

The proposal in this document does not contain information

collection requirements for 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

Environment 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 658

Grant programs--transportation, Highway and roads, Motor carriers.

Issued on: October 8, 1996.

Rodney E. Slater,

Federal Highway Administrator.

In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA proposes to amend title

23, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I, by amending appendix A to

Part 658 for the State of North Carolina as set forth below:

PART 658--TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS--LENGTH, WIDTH

AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS

1. The authority citation for 23 CFR Part 658 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 3111-31115; 49 CFR

1.48 (b)(19) and (c)(19).

2. Appendix A to Part 658 is amended for the State of North

Carolina by adding a new route listing entry after the listing for US

74, I-277 Charlotte, US 17 W. Int. Wilmington to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 658--National Network--Federally-Designated Routes

North Carolina

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Route From To

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US74................. I-26Exit 36............. US74 ALT: near Forest

City.

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[FR Doc. 96-26744 Filed 10-18-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-22-M