Forest Highway Program Rules Get the Ax from FHWA
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The Federal Highway Administration is officially ending the rules for the Forest Highway Program starting December 17, 2025. This change affects anyone involved in building or maintaining forest highways, simplifying how these projects are managed and funded. It means less red tape and a fresh start for forest road projects, with no new money changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Forest Highway Rules Removed
On December 17, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration removed the regulations in 23 CFR part 660, subpart A that governed the Forest Highway Program. If you build or maintain forest highways, the rule removes those specific regulatory requirements and may cut paperwork and compliance steps tied to those rules.
No Change to Funding Appropriations
The rescission does not create new funding or change existing appropriations. Eligible expenses for forest-related roads can continue to be funded under the Tribal Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. 202), Federal Lands Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. 203), and Federal Lands Access Program (23 U.S.C. 204).
Agency Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
FHWA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this rescission will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so no regulatory flexibility analysis was required. FHWA also said any monetary benefits or costs from the change would be minimal.
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Previous: 2025-19904 — Rescinding Regulations Regarding Management Systems Pertaining to the Forest Service and the Forest Highway Program
The Federal Highway Administration is wiping away old rules about managing roads in National Forests and Grasslands, saying they’re no longer needed. This change affects anyone involved with the Forest Service and Forest Highway Program and kicks in on December 17, 2025. It won’t cost extra money but will simplify how these roads are managed going forward.
Next: 2025-19906 — Rescinding Regulations Regarding Management Systems Pertaining to the National Park Service and the Park Roads and Parkways Program
The Federal Highway Administration is wiping away old rules about managing roads and bridges in National Parks and parkways, saying they’re no longer needed. This change affects the National Park Service and the Federal Lands Highway Program and kicks in on December 17, 2025. It won’t cost extra money but will simplify how these parks handle their road systems.