Talk:Interstate Highway standards

Minimum Median?
This article explains that interstates must have a minimum median wisth of 22 feet - however, in any major metro area or when the interstate passes through a narrow area like a canyon, the opposing directions of the highway are divided by nothing more than a k-rail. Should there be a notation in there somewhere noting this? - Hobgoblin
 * I believe (but am not sure) that those cases do not meet standards. In many or most cases, they were built before the current standards, so are grandfathered in. But if major reconstruction is done in those places, the median will have to be widened or the state will have to get an FHWA waiver. --SPUI (talk) 23:38, 23 Feb 2005 (UTC)

My understanding is that the minimum median was to be 24 feet, to allow two extra lanes in the future. 60.229.0.220 (talk) 10:18, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Sharp curves
I read articles about Michigan State Highway 14 not meeting Interstate standards due to sharp curves on the corridor, the sharpness of curves should be mentioned in this article. --SuperDude 23:57, 14 May 2005 (UTC)


 * That's part of the design speed. --SPUI (talk) 00:28, 15 May 2005 (UTC)


 * I'm curious as to what the specs of the car used to define what is safe are given that some cars have a tighter turning radius than others. (curves) In addition some cars have better brakes. (downhill, especally when combined with curves) Jon (talk) 22:54, 27 November 2007 (UTC)


 * Jon, I think they probably base it on the vehicles that make the widest turns, or the vehicles that have the worst brakes. If they based it on the worst cars, the better ones would be covered. If they based it on the best cars, the other cars wouldn't be covered. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.33.242.8 (talk) 20:15, 31 May 2013 (UTC)

Measurement Units
Why are the primary units of measurement metric (meters), with the actual standard and local system (feet) in parentheses? This results in odd figures given, with nice round numbers in parens. While I am a metric fan, surely the measurement system in the locality should be the primary. The locality here is clear and undisputable.

human 00:53, 11 December 2005 (UTC)


 * Agreed. I have swapped all the measurements. Nohat 22:03, 7 January 2006 (UTC)


 * AASHTO uses metric first, though many (most?) states don't for design. --SPUI (talk - don't use sorted stub templates! ) 17:05, 7 March 2006 (UTC)

Myth about 1/5 miles required to be straight untrue.
I think it would be a pretty good idea to include a statement which refutes the fact that one out of every five miles on an interstate must be straight. It is a popular urban legend that Eisenhower mandated one out of every five miles on a highway must be straight; I beleive this beleif is popular enough to warrent inclusion at the end of the article or something. Here is a link as evidence:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/rw00b.htm


 * That's in Interstate Highway System. --SPUI (talk - don't use sorted stub templates! ) 17:05, 7 March 2006 (UTC)
 * Considering this piece of information in the article you mentioned is in the Standards section, which links to this as the main article, I think it should be placed within this article. &mdash;Onore Baka Sama(speak 17:13, 17 August 2010 (UTC)

I totally agree. It's an extremely widespread misconception. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.190.151.109 (talk) 01:17, 29 June 2008 (UTC)

The original rumour was that it was to provide emergency landing for aeroplanes. This is of course not true, but it is more believable than simply "Eisenhower mandated" it. 60.229.0.220 (talk) 10:20, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

US Code
  23 USC section 109: -CITE- 23 USC Sec. 109                                            01/19/04

-EXPCITE- TITLE 23 - HIGHWAYS CHAPTER 1 - FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

-HEAD- Sec. 109. Standards

-STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary shall ensure that the plans and specifications for each proposed highway project under this chapter provide for a facility that will - (1) adequately serve the existing and planned future traffic of     the highway in a manner that is conducive to safety, durability, and economy of maintenance; and (2) be designed and constructed in accordance with criteria best suited to accomplish the objectives described in paragraph (1) and to conform to the particular needs of each locality.

(b) The geometric and construction standards to be adopted for the Interstate System shall be those approved by the Secretary in   cooperation with the State transportation departments. Such standards, as applied to each actual construction project, shall be   adequate to enable such project to accommodate the types and volumes of traffic anticipated for such project for the twenty-year period commencing on the date of approval by the Secretary, under section 106 of this title, of the plans, specifications, and estimates for actual construction of such project. Such standards shall in all cases provide for at least four lanes of traffic. The right-of-way width of the Interstate System shall be adequate to   permit construction of projects on the Interstate System to such standards. The Secretary shall apply such standards uniformly throughout all the States. (c) Design Criteria for National Highway System. -        (1) In general. - A design for new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing (except for maintenance resurfacing), restoration, or rehabilitation of a highway on the National Highway System (other than a highway also on the Interstate     System) may take into account, in addition to the criteria described in subsection (a) - (A) the constructed and natural environment of the area; (B) the environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, community, and preservation impacts of the activity; and (C) access for other modes of transportation.

(2) Development of criteria. - The Secretary, in cooperation with State transportation departments, may develop criteria to     implement paragraph (1). In developing criteria under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the results of the committee process of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials as used in adopting and publishing "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets", including comments submitted by interested parties as part of such process.

(d) On any highway project in which Federal funds hereafter participate, or on any such project constructed since December 20, 1944, the location, form and character of informational, regulatory and warning signs, curb and pavement or other markings, and traffic signals installed or placed by any public authority or other agency, shall be subject to the approval of the State transportation department with the concurrence of the Secretary, who is directed to concur only in such installations as will promote the safe and efficient utilization of the highways. (e) No funds shall be approved for expenditure on any Federal-aid highway, or highway affected under chapter 2 of this title, unless proper safety protective devices complying with safety standards determined by the Secretary at that time as being adequate shall be   installed or be in operation at any highway and railroad grade crossing or drawbridge on that portion of the highway with respect to which such expenditures are to be made. (f) The Secretary shall not, as a condition precedent to his approval under section 106 of this title, require any State to   acquire title to, or control of, any marginal land along the proposed highway in addition to that reasonably necessary for road surfaces, median strips, bikeways, gutters, ditches, and side slopes, and of sufficient width to provide service roads for adjacent property to permit safe access at controlled locations in   order to expedite traffic, promote safety, and minimize roadside parking. (g) The Secretary shall issue within 30 days after the day of   enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 guidelines for minimizing possible soil erosion from highway construction. Such guidelines shall apply to all proposed projects with respect to   which plans, specifications, and estimates are approved by the Secretary after the issuance of such guidelines. (h) Not later than July 1, 1972, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal and State officials, shall submit to Congress, and not later than 90 days after such submission, promulgate guidelines designed to assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects relating to any proposed project on any Federal-aid system have been fully considered in developing such project, and that the final decisions on the project are made in the best overall public interest, taking into consideration the need for fast, safe and efficient transportation, public services, and the costs of eliminating or   minimizing such adverse effects and the following: (1) air, noise, and water pollution; (2) destruction or disruption of man-made and natural resources, aesthetic values, community cohesion and the availability of public facilities and services; (3) adverse employment effects, and tax and property value losses; (4) injurious displacement of people, businesses and farms; and (5) disruption of desirable community and regional growth.

Such guidelines shall apply to all proposed projects with respect to which plans, specifications, and estimates are approved by the Secretary after the issuance of such guidelines. (i) The Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local officials, shall develop and promulgate standards for highway noise levels compatible with different land uses and after July 1, 1972, shall not approve plans and specifications for any proposed project on any Federal-aid system for which location approval has not yet been secured unless he determines that such plans and specifications include adequate measures to implement the appropriate noise level standards. The Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and appropriate Federal, State, and local officials, may promulgate standards for the control of highway noise levels for highways on any Federal-aid system for which project approval has been secured prior to July 1, 1972. The Secretary may approve any project on a Federal-aid system to which noise-level standards are made applicable under the preceding sentence for the purpose of   carrying out such standards. Such project may include, but is not limited to, the acquisition of additional rights-of-way, the construction of physical barriers, and landscaping. Sums apportioned for the Federal-aid system on which such project will be located shall be available to finance the Federal share of such project. Such project shall be deemed a highway project for all purposes of this title. (j) The Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of   the Environmental Protection Agency, shall develop and promulgate guidelines to assure that highways constructed pursuant to this title are consistent with any approved plan for - (1) the implementation of a national ambient air quality standard for each pollutant for which an area is designated as a     nonattainment area under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42      U.S.C. 7407(d)); or        (2) the maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard in an area that was designated as a nonattainment area but that was later redesignated by the Administrator as an attainment area for the standard and that is required to develop a maintenance plan under section 175A of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7505a).

(k) The Secretary shall not approve any project involving approaches to a bridge under this title, if such project and bridge will significantly affect the traffic volume and the highway system of a contiguous State without first taking into full consideration the views of that State. (l)(1) In determining whether any right-of-way on any Federal-aid highway should be used for accommodating any utility facility, the Secretary shall - (A) first ascertain the effect such use will have on highway and traffic safety, since in no case shall any use be authorized or otherwise permitted, under this or any other provision of law, which would adversely affect safety; (B) evaluate the direct and indirect environmental and economic effects of any loss of productive agricultural land or any impairment of the productivity of any agricultural land which would result from the disapproval of the use of such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility facility; and (C) consider such environmental and economic effects together with any interference with or impairment of the use of the highway in such right-of-way which would result from the use of     such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility facility.

(2) For the purpose of this subsection - (A) the term "utility facility" means any privately, publicly, or cooperatively owned line, facility, or system for producing, transmitting, or distributing communications, power, electricity, light, heat, gas, oil, crude products, water, steam, waste, storm water not connected with highway drainage, or any other similar commodity, including any fire or police signal system or street lighting system, which directly or indirectly serves the public; and (B) the term "right-of-way" means any real property, or     interest therein, acquired, dedicated, or reserved for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a highway.

(m) Protection of Nonmotorized Transportation Traffic. - The Secretary shall not approve any project or take any regulatory action under this title that will result in the severance of an   existing major route or have significant adverse impact on the safety for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless such project or regulatory action provides for a reasonable alternate route or such a route exists. (n) It is the intent of Congress that any project for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating any highway, other than a   highway access to which is fully controlled, in which Federal funds participate shall be constructed in accordance with standards to   preserve and extend the service life of highways and enhance highway safety. (o) Compliance With State Laws for Non-NHS Projects. - Projects (other than highway projects on the National Highway System) shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, regulations, directives, safety standards, design standards, and construction standards. (p) Scenic and Historic Values. - Notwithstanding subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary may approve a project for the National Highway System if the project is designed to - (1) allow for the preservation of environmental, scenic, or     historic values; (2) ensure safe use of the facility; and (3) comply with subsection (a).

(q) Phase Construction. - Safety considerations for a project under this title may be met by phase construction consistent with the operative safety management system established in accordance with section 303 or in accordance with a statewide transportation improvement program approved by the Secretary.

-SOURCE- (Pub. L. 85-767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 88-157, Sec.   4, Oct. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 277; Pub. L. 89-574, Secs. 5(a), 14,    Sept. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 767, 771; Pub. L. 91-605, title I, Sec.    136(a), (b), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1734; Pub. L. 93-87, title I,    Secs. 114, 152(2), 156, Aug. 13, 1973, 87 Stat. 257, 276, 277; Pub.    L. 95-599, title I, Secs. 113, 116(d), 141(f), (g), Nov. 6, 1978,    92 Stat. 2696, 2699, 2711; Pub. L. 96-106, Sec. 3, Nov. 9, 1979, 93    Stat. 797; Pub. L. 97-424, title I, Sec. 110(a), Jan. 6, 1983, 96    Stat. 2105; Pub. L. 102-240, title I, Sec. 1016(c)-(f)(1), Dec. 18,    1991, 105 Stat. 1946; Pub. L. 104-59, title III, Secs. 304, 305(a),    Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 579, 580; Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Secs.    1202(c), 1212(a)(2)(A), 1306, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 169, 193,    229.)

-REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The day of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (g), is Dec. 31, 1970.

-MISC1- AMENDMENTS 1998 - Subsecs. (b), (c)(2). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec.   1212(a)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "State transportation departments" for "State highway departments". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1212(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted "State transportation department" for "State highway department". Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1306(a), redesignated subsec. (n) as (m) and struck out former subsec. (m) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall issue guidelines describing the criteria   applicable to the Interstate System in order to insure that the    condition of these routes is maintained at the level required by    the purposes for which they were designed. The initial guidelines    shall be issued no later than October 1, 1979." Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1306(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (o) as (n). Former subsec. (n) redesignated (m). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1202(c), inserted heading and amended text of subsec. (n) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary shall not approve any project under this title that   will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major    route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light    motorcycles, unless such project provides a reasonably alternate    route or such a route exists." Subsecs. (o) to (q). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1306(a)(2), (b), added subsec. (q) and redesignated former subsecs. (p) and (q) as (o) and (p), respectively. Former subsec. (o) redesignated (n). 1995 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 304(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "The   Secretary shall not approve plans and specifications for proposed    highway projects under this chapter if they fail to provide for a    facility (1) that will adequately meet the existing and probable    future traffic needs and conditions in a manner conducive to    safety, durability, and economy of maintenance; (2) that will be    designed and constructed in accordance with standards best suited    to accomplish the foregoing objectives and to conform to the    particular needs of each locality." Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 304(2), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "(c) Design and Construction Standards for NHS. - Design and   construction standards to be adopted for new construction on the    National Highway System, for reconstruction on the National Highway    System, and for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating    multilane limited access highways on the National Highway System    shall be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the    State highway departments. All eligible work for such projects    shall meet or exceed such standards." Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 305(a), substituted "plan for -   " and pars. (1) and (2) for "plan for the implementation of any   ambient air quality standard for any air quality control region    designated pursuant to the Clean Air Act, as amended." Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 304(3), added subsec. (q) and struck out former subsec. (q) which read as follows: "(q) Historic and Scenic Values. - If a proposed project under   sections 103(e)(4), 133, or 144 involves a historic facility or is    located in an area of historic or scenic value, the Secretary may    approve such project notwithstanding the requirements of    subsections (a) and (b) of this section and section 133(c) if such    project is designed to standards that allow for the preservation of    such historic or scenic value and such project is designed with    mitigation measures to allow preservation of such value and ensure    safe use of the facility." 1991 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1016(f)(1)(A), substituted "highway projects under this chapter" for "projects on   any Federal-aid system". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1016(c), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "Projects on the Federal-aid secondary system in which Federal   funds participate shall be constructed according to specifications    that will provide all-weather service and permit maintenance at a    reasonable cost." Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1016(f)(1)(B), substituted "highway" for "system" in introductory provisions. Subsecs. (p), (q). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1016(d), (e), added subsecs. (p) and (q). 1983 - Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 97-424 added subsec. (o). 1979 - Subsec. (l)(1)(A). Pub. L. 96-106 struck out "any aspect   of" after "adversely affect". 1978 - Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95-599, Sec. 141(f), inserted "bikeways" after "surfaces, median strips,". Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 95-599, Sec. 113, added subsec. (l). Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 95-599, Sec. 116(d), added subsec. (m). Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 95-599, Sec. 141(g), added subsec. (n). 1973 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 93-87, Sec. 152(2), substituted "Act" for "Rct", thus correcting the popular name to read "Federal-Aid   Highway Act of 1970". Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 93-87, Sec. 114, authorized promulgation of   noise-level standards for highways on any Federal-aid system for which project approval has been secured prior to July 1, 1972, and approval of any project on a Federal-aid system to which noise-level standards are made applicable, described the range of   the projects, made money available for financing Federal share of    the project, and deemed such project a highway project for all purposes of this title. Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 93-87, Sec. 156, added subsec. (k). 1970 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 91-605, Sec. 136(a), substituted provisions ordering the Secretary to issue within 30 days after Dec. 31, 1970, guidelines, which will apply to all proposed projects approved by the Secretary after their issuance, for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction for provisions authorizing the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of   Agriculture respecting guidelines for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction and report such guidelines to Congress not later than July 1, 1967. Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 91-605, Sec. 136(b), added subsecs. (h) to (j). 1966 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89-574, Sec. 5(a), required that in   all cases the standards provide for at least four lanes of traffic. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 89-574, Sec. 14, added subsec. (g). 1963 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88-157 substituted "Such standards,   as applied to each actual construction project, shall be adequate    to enable such project to accommodate the types and volumes of    traffic anticipated for such project for the twenty-year period    commencing on the date of approval by the Secretary, under section    106 of this title, of the plans, specifications, and estimates for    actual construction of such project" for "Such standards shall be    adequate to accommodate the types and volumes of traffic forecast    for the year 1975", struck out "up" before "to such standards" and inserted "all" in phrase "throughout all the States".

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1991 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 102-240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102-240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

HIGHWAY SIGNS RELATING TO VETERANS CEMETERIES Pub. L. 108-29, Sec. 3, May 29, 2003, 117 Stat. 772, provided that: "(a) In General. - Notwithstanding the terms of any agreement   entered into by the Secretary of Transportation and a State under    section 109(d) or 402(a) of title 23, United States Code, a    veterans cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a    supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.      "(b) Applicability. - Subsection (a) shall apply to an agreement entered into before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 29, 2003]."

INTERNATIONAL ROUGHNESS INDEX Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1213(b), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 200, provided that: "(1) Study. - The Comptroller General of the United States shall   conduct a study on the international roughness index that is used    as an indicator of pavement quality on the Federal-aid highway    system.      "(2) Required elements. - The study shall specify the extent of   usage of the index and the extent to which the international roughness index measurement is reliable across different manufacturers and types of pavement. "(3) Report to congress. - Not later than 2 years after the date   of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Comptroller General    shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study."

ENVIRONMENTAL STREAMLINING Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1309, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 232,   as amended by Pub. L. 105-206, title IX, Sec. 9004(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 843, provided that: "(a) Coordinated Environmental Review Process. -        "(1) Development and implementation. - The Secretary shall develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for highway construction and mass transit projects that require - "(A) the preparation of an environmental impact statement or       environmental assessment under the National Environmental        Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), except that the        Secretary may decide not to apply this section to the        preparation of an environmental assessment under such Act; or          "(B) the conduct of any other environmental review, analysis, opinion, or issuance of an environmental permit, license, or       approval by operation of Federal law. "(2) Memorandum of understanding. -          "(A) In general. - The coordinated environmental review process for each project shall ensure that, whenever practicable (as specified in this section), all environmental reviews, analyses, opinions, and any permits, licenses, or       approvals that must be issued or made by any Federal agency for the project concerned shall be conducted concurrently and completed within a cooperatively determined time period. Such process for a project or class of project may be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding between the Department of       Transportation and Federal agencies (and, where appropriate,        State agencies). "(B) Establishment of time periods. - In establishing the       time period referred to in subparagraph (A), and any time        periods for review within such period, the Department and all        such agencies shall take into account their respective        resources and statutory commitments.      "(b) Elements of Coordinated Environmental Review Process. - For each project, the coordinated environmental review process established under this section shall provide, at a minimum, for the following elements: "(1) Federal agency identification. - The Secretary shall, at     the earliest possible time, identify all potential Federal      agencies that -           "(A) have jurisdiction by law over environmental-related issues that may be affected by the project and the analysis of       which would be part of any environmental document required by        the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321        et seq.); or          "(B) may be required by Federal law to independently -             "(i) conduct an environmental-related review or analysis; or           "(ii) determine whether to issue a permit, license, or          approval or render an opinion on the environmental impact of          the project.        "(2) Time limitations and concurrent review. - The Secretary and the head of each Federal agency identified under paragraph (1) -          "(A)(i) shall jointly develop and establish time periods for        review for -             "(I) all Federal agency comments with respect to any environmental review documents required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for the project; and "(II) all other independent Federal agency environmental         analyses, reviews, opinions, and decisions on any permits,          licenses, and approvals that must be issued or made for the          project;      whereby each such Federal agency's review shall be undertaken and      completed within such established time periods for review; or          "(ii) may enter into an agreement to establish such time periods for review with respect to a class of project; and "(B) shall ensure, in establishing such time periods for       review, that the conduct of any such analysis, review, opinion,        and decision is undertaken concurrently with all other        environmental reviews for the project, including the reviews        required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42        U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); except that such review may not be        concurrent if the affected Federal agency can demonstrate that        such concurrent review would result in a significant adverse        impact to the environment or substantively alter the operation        of Federal law or would not be possible without information        developed as part of the environmental review process.        "(3) Factors to be considered. - Time periods for review established under this section shall be consistent with the time periods established by the Council on Environmental Quality under sections 1501.8 and 1506.10 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. "(4) Extensions. - The Secretary shall extend any time periods     for review under this section if, upon good cause shown, the      Secretary and any Federal agency concerned determine that      additional time for analysis and review is needed as a result of      new information that has been discovered that could not      reasonably have been anticipated when the Federal agency's time      periods for review were established. Any memorandum of      understanding shall be modified to incorporate any mutually      agreed-upon extensions.      "(c) Dispute Resolution. - When the Secretary determines that a   Federal agency which is subject to a time period for its environmental review or analysis under this section has failed to   complete such review, analysis, opinion, or decision on issuing any permit, license, or approval within the established time period or   within any agreed-upon extension to such time period, the Secretary may, after notice and consultation with such agency, close the record on the matter before the Secretary. If the Secretary finds, after timely compliance with this section, that an environmental issue related to the project that an affected Federal agency has jurisdiction over by operation of Federal law has not been resolved, the Secretary and the head of the Federal agency shall resolve the matter not later than 30 days after the date of the finding by the Secretary. "(d) Participation of State Agencies. - For any project eligible   for assistance under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, or    chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, a State, by operation    of State law, may require that all State agencies that have    jurisdiction by State or Federal law over environmental-related    issues that may be affected by the project, or that are required to    issue any environmental-related reviews, analyses, opinions, or    determinations on issuing any permits, licenses, or approvals for    the project, be subject to the coordinated environmental review    process established under this section unless the Secretary    determines that a State's participation would not be in the public    interest. For a State to require State agencies to participate in    the review process, all affected agencies of the State shall be    subject to the review process. "(e) Assistance to Affected Federal Agencies. -        "(1) In general. - The Secretary may approve a request by a     State or recipient to provide funds for a highway project made available under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, or for a mass transit project made available under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, to the State for the project subject to     the coordinated environmental review process established under this section to affected Federal agencies to provide the resources necessary to meet any time limits established under this section. "(2) Amounts. - Such requests under paragraph (1) shall be     approved only -           "(A) for the additional amounts that the Secretary determines are necessary for the affected Federal agencies to meet the time limits for environmental review; and "(B) if such time limits are less than the customary time       necessary for such review.      "(f) Judicial Review and Savings Clause. -        "(1) Judicial review. - Nothing in this section shall affect      the reviewability of any final Federal agency action in a      district court of the United States or in the court of any State.        "(2) Savings clause. - Nothing in this section shall affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other Federal environmental statute or affect the responsibility of any Federal officer to     comply with or enforce any such statute. "(g) Federal Agency Defined. - In this section, the term 'Federal   agency' means any Federal agency or any State agency carrying out    affected responsibilities required by operation of Federal law."

ROADSIDE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1402, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 236,   as amended by Pub. L. 105-206, title IX, Sec. 9005(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 848, provided that: "(a) Crash Cushions. -        "(1) Guidance. - Not later than 18 months after the date of     enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall issue guidance regarding the benefits and safety performance of     redirective and nonredirective crash cushions in different road applications, taking into consideration roadway conditions, operating speed limits, the location of the crash cushion in the right-of-way, and any other relevant factors. The guidance shall include recommendations on the most appropriate circumstances for utilization of redirective and nonredirective crash cushions. "(2) Use of guidance. - States shall use the guidance issued     under this subsection in evaluating the safety and      cost-effectiveness of utilizing different crash cushion designs      and determining whether redirective or nonredirective crash      cushions or other safety appurtenances should be installed at      specific highway locations.      "(b) Traffic Flow and Safety Applications of Road Barriers. -        "(1) Study. - The Secretary shall conduct a study on the      technologies and methods to enhance safety, streamline      construction, and improve capacity by providing positive      separation at all times between traffic, equipment, and workers      on highway construction projects. The study shall also address      how such technologies can be used to improve capacity and safety      at those specific highway, bridge, and other appropriate      locations where reversible lane, contraflow, and high occupancy      vehicle lane operations are implemented during peak traffic      periods.        "(2) Uses to consider. - In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, uses of positive separation technologies related to - "(A) separating workers from traffic flow when work is in       progress;          "(B) providing additional safe work space by utilizing adjacent and available traffic lanes during off-peak hours; "(C) rapid deployment to allow for daily or periodic       restoration of lanes for use by traffic during peak hours as        needed;          "(D) mitigating congestion caused by construction by - "(i) opening all adjacent and available lanes to traffic         during peak traffic hours; or            "(ii) using reversible lanes to optimize capacity of the highway by adjusting to directional traffic flow; and "(E) permanent use of positive separation technologies to       create contraflow or reversible lanes to increase the capacity        of congested highways, bridges, and tunnels.        "(3) Report. - Not later than 18 months after the date of     enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. The report shall include findings and recommendations for the use of the technologies referred to in paragraph (2) to provide positive separation on appropriate projects."

METRIC REQUIREMENTS Pub. L. 104-59, title II, Sec. 205(c), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 577, as amended by Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1211(d), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 188, provided that: "(1) Placement and modification of signs. - The Secretary shall   not require the States to expend any Federal or State funds to    construct, erect, or otherwise place or to modify any sign relating    to a speed limit, distance, or other measurement on a highway for    the purpose of having such sign establish such speed limit,    distance, or other measurement using the metric system.      "(2) Other actions. - The Secretary shall not require that any State use or plan to use the metric system with respect to   designing or advertising, or preparing plans, specifications, estimates, or other documents, for a Federal-aid highway project eligible for assistance under title 23, United States Code. "(3) Definitions. - In this subsection, the following definitions   apply:        "(A) Highway. - The term 'highway' has the meaning such term has under section 101 of title 23, United States Code. "(B) Metric system. - The term 'metric system' has the meaning     the term 'metric system of measurement' has under section 4 of      the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (15 U.S.C. 205c)."

TYPE II NOISE BARRIERS Section 339(b) of Pub. L. 104-59 provided that: "(1) General rule. - No funds made available out of the Highway   Trust Fund may be used to construct Type II noise barriers (as    defined by section 772.5(i) of title 23, Code of Federal    Regulations) pursuant to subsections (h) and (i) of section 109 of    title 23, United States Code, if such barriers were not part of a    project approved by the Secretary before the date of the enactment    of this Act [Nov. 28, 1995].      "(2) Exceptions. - Paragraph (1) shall not apply to construction of Type II noise barriers along lands that were developed or were under substantial construction before approval of the acquisition of the rights-of-ways for, or construction of, the existing highway."

HIGHWAY SIGNS FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM Section 359(b) of Pub. L. 104-59 provided that: "(1) Study. - The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine   the cost, need, and efficacy of establishing a highway sign for    identifying routes on the National Highway System. In conducting    the study, the Secretary shall make a determination concerning    whether to identify National Highway System route numbers.      "(2) Report. - Not later than March 1, 1997, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study."

USE OF RECYCLED PAVING MATERIAL Section 1038 of Pub. L. 102-240, as amended by Pub. L. 104-59, title II, Sec. 205(b), title III, Sec. 327, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 577, 592, provided that: "(a) Asphalt Pavement Containing Recycled Rubber Demonstration   Program. - Notwithstanding any other provision of title 23, United    States Code, or regulation or policy of the Department of    Transportation, the Secretary (or a State acting as the    Department's agent) may not disapprove a highway project under    chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, on the ground that the    project includes the use of asphalt pavement containing recycled    rubber. Under this subsection, a patented application process for    recycled rubber shall be eligible for approval under the same    conditions that an unpatented process is eligible for approval.      "(b) Studies. -        "(1) In general. - The Secretary and the Administrator of the      Environmental Protection Agency shall coordinate and conduct, in      cooperation with the States, a study to determine -           "(A) the threat to human health and the environment associated with the production and use of asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber; "(B) the degree to which asphalt pavement containing recycled       rubber can be recycled; and          "(C) the performance of the asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber under various climate and use conditions. "(2) Division of responsibilities. - The Administrator shall     conduct the part of the study relating to paragraph (1)(A) and      the Secretary shall conduct the part of the study relating to      paragraph (1)(C). The Administrator and the Secretary shall      jointly conduct the study relating to paragraph (1)(B).        "(3) Additional study. - The Secretary and the Administrator, in cooperation with the States, shall jointly conduct a study to     determine the economic savings, technical performance qualities, threats to human health and the environment, and environmental benefits of using recycled materials in highway devices and appurtenances and highway projects, including asphalt containing over 80 percent reclaimed asphalt, asphalt containing recycled glass, and asphalt containing recycled plastic. "(4) Additional elements. - In conducting the study under     paragraph (3), the Secretary and the Administrator shall examine      utilization of various technologies by States and shall examine      the current practices of all States relating to the reuse and      disposal of materials used in federally assisted highway      projects.        "(5) Report. - Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], the Secretary and the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the studies conducted under this subsection, including a     detailed analysis of the economic savings and technical performance qualities of using such recycled materials in     federally assisted highway projects and the environmental benefits of using such recycled materials in such highway projects in terms of reducing air emissions, conserving natural resources, and reducing disposal of the materials in landfills. "(c) DOT Guidance. -        "(1) Information gathering and distribution. - The Secretary shall gather information and recommendations concerning the use of asphalt containing recycled rubber in highway projects from those States that have extensively evaluated and experimented with the use of such asphalt and implemented such projects and shall make available such information and recommendations on the use of such asphalt to those States which indicate an interest in     the use of such asphalt. "(2) Encouragement of use. - The Secretary should encourage the     use of recycled materials determined to be appropriate by the      studies pursuant to subsection (b) in federally assisted highway      projects. Procuring agencies shall comply with all applicable      guidelines or regulations issued by the Administrator of the      Environmental Protection Agency.      "(d) Asphalt Pavement Containing Recycled Rubber. -        "(1) Crumb rubber modifier research. - Not later than 180 days      after the date of the enactment of the National Highway System      Designation Act of 1995 [Nov. 28, 1995], the Secretary shall      develop testing procedures and conduct research to develop      performance grade classifications, in accordance with the      strategic highway research program carried out under section      307(d) of title 23, United States Code, for crumb rubber modifier      binders. The testing procedures and performance grade      classifications should be developed in consultation with      representatives of the crumb rubber modifier industry and other      interested parties (including the asphalt paving industry) with      experience in the development of the procedures and      classifications.        "(2) Crumb rubber modifier program development. -          "(A) In general. - The Secretary may make grants to States to        develop programs to use crumb rubber from scrap tires to modify        asphalt pavements.          "(B) Use of grant funds. - Grant funds made available to       States under this paragraph shall be used - "(i) to develop mix designs for crumb rubber modified         asphalt pavements;            "(ii) for the placement and evaluation of crumb rubber modified asphalt pavement field tests; and "(iii) for the expansion of State crumb rubber modifier         programs in existence on the date the grant is made          available.      "(e) Definitions. - For purpose of this section - "(1) the term 'asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber'     means any mixture of asphalt and crumb rubber derived from whole      scrap tires, such that the physical properties of the asphalt are      modified through the mixture, for use in pavement maintenance,      rehabilitation, or construction applications; and        "(2) the term 'recycled rubber' is any crumb rubber derived from processing whole scrap tires or shredded tire material taken from automobiles, trucks, or other equipment owned and operated in the United States."

SURVEY AND REPORT ON UPGRADING OF DESIGN STANDARDS Section 1049 of Pub. L. 102-240 directed Secretary to conduct a   survey to identify current State standards relating to geometric design, traffic control devices, roadside safety, safety appurtenance design, uniform traffic control devices, and sign legibility and directional clarity for all Federal-aid highways and, not later than 2 years after Dec. 18, 1991, to transmit to   Congress a report on the results of the survey and the crashworthiness of traffic lights, traffic signs, guardrails, impact attenuators, concrete barrier treatments, and breakaway utility poles for bridges and roadways currently used by States.

EROSION CONTROL GUIDELINES Section 1057 of title I of Pub. L. 102-240 provided that: "(a) Development. - The Secretary shall develop erosion control   guidelines for States to follow in carrying out construction    projects funded in whole or in part under this title [see Tables    for classification].      "(b) More Stringent State Requirements. - Guidelines developed under subsection (a) shall not preempt any requirement made by or   under State law if such requirement is more stringent than the guidelines. "(c) Consistency With Other Programs. - Guidelines developed   under subsection (a) shall be consistent with nonpoint source    management programs under section 319 of the Federal Water    Pollution Control Act [33 U.S.C. 1329] and coastal nonpoint    pollution control guidance under section 6217(g) of the Omnibus    Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 [16 U.S.C. 1455b(g)]."

ROADSIDE BARRIER TECHNOLOGY Section 1058 of Pub. L. 102-240, as amended by Pub. L. 104-59, title III, Sec. 328, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 593, provided that: "(a) Requirement for Innovative Barriers. - Not less than 2 1/2    percent of the mileage of new or replacement permanent or temporary    crashworthy barriers included in awarded contracts along    Federal-aid highways within the boundaries of a State in each    calendar year shall be innovative crashworthy safety barriers.      "(b) Certification. - Each State shall annually certify to the Secretary its compliance with the requirements of this section. "(c) Definition of Innovative Crashworthy Safety Barrier. - For   purposes of this section, the term 'innovative crashworthy safety    barrier' means a barrier, other than a guardrail or guiderail,    classified by the Federal Highway Administration as 'experimental'    or that was classified as 'operational' after January 1, 1985, and    that meets or surpasses the requirements of the National    Cooperative Highway Research Program 350 for longitudinal    barriers."

ROADSIDE BARRIERS AND SAFETY APPURTENANCES Section 1073 of Pub. L. 102-240 provided that: "(a) Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding. - Not later than 30   days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991],    the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to revise the    guidelines and establish standards for installation of roadside    barriers and other safety appurtenances, including longitudinal    barriers, end terminals, and crash cushions. Such rulemaking shall    reflect state-of-the-art designs, testing, and evaluation criteria    contained in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program    Report 230, relating to approval standards which provide an    enhanced level of crashworthy performance to accommodate vans,    mini-vans, pickup trucks, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.      "(b) Final Rule. - Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], the Secretary shall complete the rulemaking proceeding initiated under subsection (a), and issue a final rule regarding the implementation of revised guidelines and standards for acceptable roadside barriers and other safety appurtenances, including longitudinal barriers, end terminals, and crash cushions. Such revised guidelines and standards shall accommodate vans, mini-vans, pickup trucks, and 4-wheel drive vehicles and shall be applicable to the refurbishment and replacement of existing roadside barriers and safety appurtenances as well as to the installation of new roadside barriers and safety appurtenances."

STUDIES RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS FOR RESURFACING, RESTORATION, AND REHABILITATION OF HIGHWAYS AND TO ESTABLISHMENT OF   UNIFORM STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR TESTING AND INSPECTING HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES Section 110(b), (c) of Pub. L. 97-424 provided that: "(b) The Secretary of Transportation shall enter into appropriate   arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences (1) to conduct a    study of the safety cost-effectiveness of geometric design criteria    of standards currently in effect for construction and    reconstruction of highways, other than highways access to which is    fully controlled, to determine the most appropriate minimum    standards to apply to resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation    projects on such highways, which study shall include a study of the    cost effectiveness of the hot dip galvanizing process for the    installation, repair, or replacement of exposed structural and    miscellaneous steel, and (2) to propose standards to preserve and    extend the service life of such highways and enhance highway    safety. The National Academy of Sciences shall conduct such study    in cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Congressional Budget Office, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Upon completion of such study, the National Academy of Sciences shall submit such study and its proposed standards to the Secretary of Transportation for review. Within ninety days after submission of such standards to   the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary shall submit such study and the proposed standards of the National Academy of   Sciences, together with the recommendations of the Secretary, to    Congress for approval. "(c)(1) The Secretary of Transportation is directed to coordinate   a study with the National Bureau of Standards, the American Society    for Testing and Materials, and other organizations as deemed    appropriate, (A) to determine the existing quality of design,    construction, products, use, and systems for highways and bridges;    (B) to determine the need for uniform standards and criteria for    design, processing, products, and applications, including personnel    training and implementation of enforcement techniques; and (C) to    determine the manpower needs and costs of developing a national    system for the evaluation and accreditation of testing and    inspection agencies.      "(2) The Secretary shall submit such study to the Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section [Jan. 6, 1983]."

EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HIGHWAY SIGNS USING METRIC SYSTEM Section 144 of Pub. L. 95-599, as amended by Pub. L. 96-106, Sec. 14, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 798, which prohibited use of Federal funds for signing solely in the metric system, was repealed by Pub. L. 102-240, title I, Sec. 1053, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2001.

MODIFICATION OF PROJECT AGREEMENTS TO EFFECTUATE REQUIREMENT OF                          FOUR-LANES OF TRAFFIC Authorization to modify projects agreements entered into prior to   September 13, 1966, to effectuate the amendment of this section by    Pub. L. 89-574 which added the requirement of four-lanes of   traffic, see section 5(b) of Pub. L. 89-574, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

-SECREF- SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in sections 103, 106, 115, 142 of   this title.

-End-

Note about United States
Besides the word "American" mentioned as part of the name of the agency in charge, there is no note of location. Can we add a note making it clear this applies to the United States of America only?
 * I added "in the United States" to the introduction. I think that's clear enough.  Jpp42 13:18, 20 May 2007 (UTC)

Did I just miss it? No mention of signage being white of green???
Did I miss it? Doesn't the signage also have to be white letters on Green background for directional signs? CaribDigita (talk) 01:33, 18 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Signage is not an Interstate standard issue per se. It is addressed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which covers all roads. Brian Powell (talk) 03:38, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Vertical Clearance.
In the initial specification, the vertical clearance was a fairly arbitrary number. Shortly after this, however, it was raised slightly to a particular value that I don't recall, but it was for a purpose. Since the IHS is in fact Interstate AND DEFENCE Highways, it was to ensure that a particular kind of missile on its carrier (Minuteman?????) could be transported everywhere along the system. 60.229.0.220 (talk) 10:23, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Maximum Grade.
There is a second part to this. If the maximum grade uphill exceeds 1:X, then an additional climbing lane is to be provided. Ditto for the maximum grade downhill - if greater than 1:Y then another lane. From memory, X==16 and Y==10. 60.229.0.220 (talk) 10:25, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

overly technical?
it really doesn't seem very technical to me, and actually pretty understandable. Aunva6 (talk) 09:29, 23 February 2013 (UTC)


 * Note in the banner states: Many terms, such as "clear zone" and "recovery area", are used that don't have explanations; many of these are red links, which are particularly unhelpful.
 * I added a wikilink for "clear zone," not 100% sure that this is what they are talking about in the banner. I'll look for "recovery area" next. CounterEarth (talk) 19:40, 29 April 2021 (UTC)
 * I agree, on the whole it seems appropriatly technical for such a niche article. Benjiman678 (talk) 05:01, 29 December 2023 (UTC)

Template signs in this article
The accompanying text says "(left)" and "(right)", but what would be correct, at least for my tablet, is "(top)" and "(bottom)". Carlm0404 (talk) 18:33, 26 September 2018 (UTC)

2016 Standards
The standards were revised in 2016, and I have updated the article accordingly. 2600:1700:F0C0:CF0:1820:38B3:9EF4:3AF (talk) 06:41, 12 August 2019 (UTC)