Highway Admin Ditches Dusty Old Contract Rules for Simplicity
Published Date: 5/11/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 10, 2026, the Federal Highway Administration is dropping the old rule that forced certain contract forms in federal-aid highway construction projects (except Appalachian ones). This change affects contractors and agencies by cutting out a paperwork step that’s no longer needed, making things simpler and smoother without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FHWA-1273 Form No Longer Mandatory
Starting June 10, 2026, the Federal Highway Administration is removing the rule that required Form FHWA-1273 to be physically incorporated into each Federal-aid highway construction contract (other than Appalachian contracts). You (recipients, subrecipients, and contractors) still must include any contract provisions required by statute or regulation, but you may choose other methods instead of inserting Form FHWA-1273; FHWA will continue to make the form available and parties may still use it if they prefer. FHWA states any monetary benefits or costs from this change would be minimal.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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