Mountain Road Rules Retired: FHWA Ditches Appalachian Contract Requirements

2026-05154 — Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway Projects in Texas

Texas is moving forward with several new highway projects after getting all the necessary approvals from state and federal agencies. If anyone wants to challenge these decisions in court, they must do so by August 14, 2026, or lose their chance. These projects promise smoother drives and better roads, backed by careful environmental reviews and official green lights.

2026-04917 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection

The Federal Highway Administration wants your thoughts on a new way to collect info about training programs for highway construction workers. This helps make sure workers get the right skills for new tech and growing job demands. If you’re involved in construction or training, you can comment by May 12, 2026—no cost to you, just your ideas!

2026-04856 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection

The Federal Highway Administration wants your thoughts on a new info collection about a grant program that helps protect pollinators along roadsides. This program could hand out up to $1.8 million in leftover 2023 funds, with a chance for more if extra money shows up. If you’re involved in road or environmental projects, now’s the time to speak up before May 11, 2026!

2026-04365 — National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision

The Federal Highway Administration just updated the national rulebook for traffic signs and signals, called the MUTCD, fixing small errors and making things clearer for everyone on public roads. This update affects all drivers, bikers, and road workers by helping keep roads safer and easier to navigate. The new rules kick in on March 5, 2026, with no big costs, just smoother, smarter traffic control everywhere.

2026-04354 — Renewal Package From the State of Ohio to the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program and Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State

Ohio wants to keep handling important environmental reviews for its highway projects instead of the federal government doing it. This renewal means Ohio will continue managing these tasks with some federal oversight, helping speed up projects while protecting the environment. People have until April 6, 2026, to share their thoughts before the deal is finalized.

2026-04353 — Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Arizona Department of Transportation Final FHWA Audit Four Report

Arizona’s Department of Transportation (ADOT) has completed its fourth and final federal audit for taking charge of environmental reviews on highway projects, a job usually done by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This means ADOT is fully responsible for making sure projects follow environmental rules, speeding up approvals and saving time and money. The audit confirms ADOT is doing a great job, so the state keeps leading these important reviews without federal delays.

Previous: 2025-21779 — Rescinding Requirements Regarding Bridges on Federal Dams

The Federal Highway Administration is scrapping old rules about bridges on federal dams because they’re already covered by other laws. This change affects state transportation departments and federal agencies, making things simpler without extra costs. The new rule kicks in on January 2, 2026, so everyone can start fresh in the new year!

Next: 2025-21782 — West Virginia Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining gave West Virginia’s coal mining rules a thumbs-up with some tweaks! They approved most changes, gave a cautious nod to a few, and said no to one. These updates kick in January 2, 2026, affecting coal miners and regulators, keeping mining safer and cleaner without extra costs.