Rule2026-18548
Route Designations-Vehicle Length, Width, and Weight Limitations
Primary source
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Published
September 11, 2026
Effective
September 11, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Highway Administration
Abstract
This final rule makes the following changes to the National Network (NN) in Syracuse, New York: the de-designation of the segment of the NN from Interstate 81 (I-81) between the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railway bridge and the I-81/I-690 interchange (I-81 Viaduct); and the addition to the NN of the signalized surface urban arterial roadway system (Community Grid) that replaces the I-81 Viaduct and is designated as part of Business Loop 81 (BL 81). The remainder of I-81 between the I-81/I-690 interchange and the I-81/I-481 interchange (Exit 29) will be reclassified as BL 81 and remain on the NN. Interstate 481 (I-481) will be reclassified as I-81 and will remain on the NN. This rule will become effective immediately.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 175 (Friday, September 11, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 175 (Friday, September 11, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57789-57791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18548]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
23 CFR Part 658
[Docket No. FHWA-2026-0498]
RIN 2125-AG31
Route Designations--Vehicle Length, Width, and Weight Limitations
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT or Department).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule makes the following changes to the National
Network (NN) in Syracuse, New York: the de-designation of the segment
of the NN from Interstate 81 (I-81) between the New York, Susquehanna,
and Western Railway bridge and the I-81/I-690 interchange (I-81
Viaduct); and the addition to the NN of the signalized surface urban
arterial roadway system (Community Grid) that replaces the I-81 Viaduct
and is designated as part of Business Loop 81 (BL 81). The remainder of
I-81 between the I-81/I-690 interchange and the I-81/I-481 interchange
(Exit 29) will be reclassified as BL 81 and remain on the NN.
Interstate 481 (I-481) will be reclassified as I-81 and will remain on
the NN. This rule will become effective immediately.
DATES: Effective on September 11, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions, contact Mike
Latuszek, FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations, (573) 638-
2612, or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4904202a21282c256705283d3c3a332c22092d263d672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="75381c161d1410195b39140100060f101e35111a015b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>. For legal questions,
please contact William Winne, FHWA Office of the Chief Counsel, (202)
366-1397, or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#96c1fffafafff7fbb8c1fff8f8f3d6f2f9e2b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98cff1f4f4f1f9f5b6cff1f6f6fdd8fcf7ecb6fff7ee">[email protected]</span></a>. Business hours for FHWA
are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access and Filing
This document may be viewed online through the Federal eRulemaking
portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The website is available 24 hours each
day, 365 days each year. An electronic copy of this document may also
be downloaded by accessing the Office of the Federal Register's website
at: <a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a> and the Government Publishing Office's
website at: <a href="http://www.GovInfo.gov">www.GovInfo.gov</a>.
Background
Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under Sec.
658.11 provides for changes to the National Network (NN), a network of
highways from each State on which certain authorized commercial
vehicles are allowed to operate. The New York State Department of
Transportation (NYSDOT) has requested FHWA modify the NN in Syracuse,
New York.
National Network
This final rule makes changes to the NN. The NN consists of
Interstate System routes (except exempted routes) and those non-
Interstate System routes added through the rulemaking process. See 49
United States Code (U.S.C.) 31111(e)-(f) and 31113(e); 23 CFR 658
Appendix A; see also 49 FR 23302 (June 5, 1984). To ensure the NN
remains substantially intact, FHWA retains the authority to rule upon
all requests for additions to, and deletions from, the NN as well as
requests for the imposition of certain restrictions. Pursuant to 23 CFR
part 658, specifically Sec. 658.11, requests for modifications to the
NN, including justification, must be submitted in writing to the
appropriate FHWA Division Office and endorsed by the Governor or the
Governor's authorized representative. Proposals for the addition of
routes to the NN must also be accompanied by an analysis of suitability
based on the criteria in Sec. 658.9. Once a non-Interstate System
route is added to the NN, it is included in Appendix A of 23 CFR part
658--National Network-Federally Designated Routes.
On July 6, 2021, FHWA received a request from NYSDOT that proposes
a modification to NN. The request proposes the de-designation of the
segment of I-81 called the I-81 Viaduct from the NN and the addition of
the signalized surface urban arterial roadway system called the
Community Grid, which replaces the I-81 Viaduct, to the NN. The segment
of I-81 between the I-81/I-481 interchange (Exit 16A) and the I-81/I-
481 interchange (Exit 29) and the Community Grid would be reclassified
as Business Loop 81 (BL 81) and be on the NN. I-481 would be
reclassified as I-81, improved as needed to accommodate traffic demand,
and would remain on the NN. In the northbound direction, BL 81 would
include the Community Grid, which connects the reconstructed Almond
Street to Erie Boulevard, to Pearl Street, and then to an on-ramp for
the freeway section continuing to the I-81/I-481 interchange. In the
southbound direction, BL 81 begins at the I-81/I-481 interchange and
transitions from the freeway section to the Community Grid via an off-
ramp to Oswego Boulevard, connects to Erie Boulevard and onto
reconstructed Almond Street. I-81 northbound and southbound between the
I-81/I-690 interchange and the I-81/I-481 interchange would remain as a
freeway on the NN and would be reclassified as part of BL 81.
FHWA is acting on this request pursuant to its regulatory authority
over revisions to the Interstate System (23 CFR 470.115(a) and 23 CFR
658.11(d)) and guidance on Interstate System de-designations.\1\
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\1\ <a href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/withdrawalqa.cfm">https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/withdrawalqa.cfm</a>.
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The NYSDOT requests to keep BL 81 on the NN. Pursuant to
regulation, because the route would no longer be in the Interstate
System, it must be added to NN as a non-Interstate System route and be
listed in 23 CFR 658 Appendix A. The NYSDOT proposal also provided the
required analysis of suitability based on the criteria in Sec. 658.9,
which includes a crash analysis and safety study, and documents the
effects on interstate commerce, effects on alternate routes, effects on
traffic operations, and consultation with local governments.
FHWA reviewed the NYSDOT's proposal and affirms the request to add
BL 81 to the NN is consistent with the 23 U.S.C. 658.9 and 658.11, with
respect to the criteria for the NN and the procedures for additions to
the NN. FHWA approves the addition of BL 81 to the NN and revises
existing regulations (23 CFR 658 Appendix A) to reflect the addition.
As the I-81 Viaduct is already part of the NN due to its Interstate
designation,
[[Page 57790]]
FHWA has determined there would be no substantive impact to the public
resulting from the addition of the reconstructed facility, BL 81, to
the NN.
Basis for Issuing a Final Rule
For the reasons described in this section, FHWA has determined a
final rule is the appropriate mechanism to update part 658. Under the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the requirement for prior notice
and an opportunity for public comment does not apply when the Agency,
for good cause, finds those procedures are ``impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest,'' 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
FHWA finds ``good cause'' to issue this final rule without notice and
an opportunity for public comment because such procedures are
``impracticable'' and ``unnecessary'' for this rulemaking. First, prior
notice and public comment are impracticable because FHWA has no
discretion but to make changes to reflect the redesignation of this
section of roadway for a nearly completed project. Construction on the
project began with the first phase contract issued on January 12, 2023
and interstate traffic will be permanently rerouted in late 2026 as
part of the final phase. Second, notice and opportunity for public
comment are unnecessary because these changes are technical in nature
to change the road designation.
For these same reasons, FHWA finds ``good cause'' exists under 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) for the rule to become effective immediately.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive Order
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Rulemaking
Policies and Procedures (49 CFR Part 5)
This rule does not meet the criteria of a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Orders
14215 and 13563. Therefore, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has not reviewed this rule. This final rule is not expected to have any
economic impact because it is merely a procedural step to align a
regulatory appendix with a project that is already underway and nearly
complete.
Executive Order 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)
This rule is not an Executive Order 14192 regulatory action.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) (as amended
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996; 5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), Agencies must prepare and make available for
public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the
effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small
organizations, and small government jurisdictions). As discussed
previously, FHWA has determined prior notice and opportunity for public
comment is unnecessary under the APA. Because a notice of proposed
rulemaking is not required for this action pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or
any other law, no regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared for
this final rule. See 5 U.S.C. 601(2), 603(a).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
FHWA has determined this action will not impose unfunded mandates
as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4,
March 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 48). As discussed above, FHWA finds this
regulatory action will not result 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). In addition, the
definition of ``Federal mandate'' in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
excludes financial assistance of the type in which State, local, or
Tribal governments have authority to adjust their participation in the
program in accordance with changes made in the program by the Federal
Government. The Federal-aid highway program permits this type of
flexibility.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment)
FHWA has analyzed this action in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132. FHWA has determined this
action will not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism assessment. FHWA has also determined this
action will not preempt any State law or State regulation or affect the
States' ability to discharge traditional State governmental functions.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, et
seq.), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each
collection of information they conduct, sponsor, or require through
regulations. This action does not require the collection of
information.
National Environmental Policy Act
FHWA has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.), and has determined this action would not have a significant
effect on the quality of the environment and qualifies for the
categorical exclusion (CE) at 23 CFR 771.117(c)(20), which applies to
the promulgation of rules and regulations. Categorically excluded
actions meet the criteria for CEs under 23 CFR 771.117(a) and normally
do not require any further NEPA approvals by FHWA. FHWA does not
anticipate any adverse environmental impacts from this rule, and no
unusual circumstances are present under 23 CFR 771.117(b).
Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)
FHWA has analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13175 and
believes it would not have substantial direct effects on one or more
Indian Tribes, would not impose substantial direct compliance costs on
Indian Tribal governments, and would not preempt Tribal law. This rule
would not impose any direct compliance requirements on Indian Tribal
governments nor would it have any economic or other impacts on the
viability of Indian Tribes. Therefore, a Tribal summary impact
statement is not required.
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 the spring and fall 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, Highways and roads, Motor carriers.
Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.81(a)(3):
Sean McMaster,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
In consideration of the foregoing, FHWA amends title 23, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 658, as set forth below:
PART 658--TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS--LENGTH, WIDTH
AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 658 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 57791]]
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 31111, 31112, and
31114; sec. 347, Pub. L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 419; sec. 756, Pub. L.
109-58, 119 Stat. 829; sec. 1309, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1219;
sec. 115, Pub. L. 109-115, 119 Stat. 2408; sec. 5516, Pub. L. 114-
94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1557; 49 CFR 1.81(a)(3).
0
2. Amend Appendix A to part 658 in the section for ``New York'' by
adding an entry for ``Business Loop 81 (BL 81) to the end of the
section:
Appendix A to Part 658--National Network--Federally-Designated Routes
* * * * *
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Route From To
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* * * * *
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New York
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Business Loop 81 (BL 81)........ I-81 Southern NY481/I-81
Interchange, Northern
Syracuse. Interchange,
Cicero.
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[FR Doc. 2026-18548 Filed 9-10-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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