Federal Register Notice – Open Docket for “13 Controlling Design Criteria and Related Exceptions”

Good morning all, In yesterday’s Federal Register, FHWA published a notice requesting comments on revisions to the 13 controlling design of projects on the NHS that require a design exception when not met.  Given the expansion of the NHS with MAP-21, this notice is more applicable to local agencies than it would have been pre-MAP-21.  Comments are … Read more Federal Register Notice – Open Docket for “13 Controlling Design Criteria and Related Exceptions”

Functional Classification: On vs Off System

It can be confusing trying to figure out what type of road is classified as an “on” system road versus an “off” system road. And what’s the difference between the NHS and the Federal-Aid System?

I’ve finally found the answers, not to mention a few minor torturing tactics that I developed along the way to pry this information out of my colleagues. But that’s another blog entry for another day 🙂 I hope you find this information helpful.

on vs off system

 

Streets and highways are grouped into classes based on the service they provide. The California Road System (CRS maps) display functional classification which is used in determining funding eligibility, as well as applicable design standards.

Additionally, here is a breakdown on Functional Classification (FC) by numerical value. They are color coded as displayed on the CRS maps.

A breakdown of non-State Highway NHS can be found here or at the Caltrans NHS website.

The NHS includes the following:

  • The Interstate System.
  • Principal arterials (including those not previously designated as part of the NHS) and border crossings on those routes.
  • Intermodal connectors — highways that provide motor vehicle access between the NHS and major intermodal transportation facilities
  • STRAHNET (Strategic Highway Network) — the network of highways important to U.S. strategic defense
  • STRAHNET connectors to major military installations.

 

Below is an example of a CRS map.

crs maps example

For more information regarding Functional Classification, NHS or the Federal Aid System, please visit: http://dot.ca.gov/hq/tsip/hseb/index.html

 

 

Google Earth being discontinued December 12, 2015

The map display in Caltrans Earth uses the Google Earth Application Program Interface (API) and Plug-In software. Google announced they will be retiring their API and Plug-In software on December 12, 2015. We were notified by Google that these components were developed on an older technology that they consider a security risk. There are no announcements from Google … Read more Google Earth being discontinued December 12, 2015

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking/Request for Comments for CM/GC

On 6/29/2015 the Federal Highway Administration issued a “Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking/Request For Comments” regarding Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) contracting. Comments are due by August 28, 2015. FHWA is taking this action to fulfill the statutory requirement in section 1303(b) of MAP-21 by amending 23 USC 112 to require the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate … Read more Notice of Proposed Rulemaking/Request for Comments for CM/GC

Status of Pre-Award Audits has been Posted Online

When a new local agency code (Locode) is requested by a local agency, Caltrans Local Assistance requests a pre-award audit of the local agency to be performed by Caltrans Audits and Investigations (A&I). The work that is necessary within Local Assistance to generate a new Locode after successful pre-award audit completion can normally be done … Read more Status of Pre-Award Audits has been Posted Online

FAQ for Air Quality Interagency Consultation (IAC)

1) Is the particulate matter Interagency Consultation process related to air quality conformity? Yes 2) What criteria pollutants is Interagency Consultation related to? PM10 and PM2.5 3) Does Interagency Consultation apply to areas that are in attainment for PM10 and PM2.5? No Does it apply to areas that are in attainment for PM10 and in … Read more FAQ for Air Quality Interagency Consultation (IAC)