Highway Admin Ditches Old Rules for Park Road Management
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Removal of Park Roads Management Rule
FHWA is removing 23 CFR part 970, the rule that required safety, bridge, pavement, and congestion management systems for roads under National Park Service jurisdiction and the Park Roads and Parkways Program. The rescission becomes effective December 17, 2025, and FHWA says it could result in some cost savings for the National Park Service and simplify how parks handle their road systems.
No Significant Small-Business Impact
FHWA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. The agency concluded the rule only removes regulations guiding the National Park Service in developing transportation plans and resource allocation decisions.
No Large Unfunded Mandates
Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, FHWA determined this rule does not impose unfunded mandates of $100 million or more in any one year (adjusted for inflation). That means the rule is not subject to UMRA sections that would apply if large unfunded costs were being placed on state, local, tribal governments, or the private sector.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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