[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 23, Volume 1]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 23CFR635.505]

[Page 194-195]
 
                           TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS
 
 CHAPTER I--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 635--CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE--Table of Contents
 
              Subpart E--Interstate Maintenance Guidelines
 
Sec. 635.505  Maintenance guidelines.

    (a) The following critical elements should serve to direct the 
development and implementation of an Interstate maintenance program in 
each State.
    (1) Roadway surfaces. Preservation of the structural integrity of 
the roadway and the safety and comfort of the user. This includes a 
safe, smooth, skid-resistant surface, as close as practical to the 
original, or subsequently improved, grade and cross section.
    (2) Shoulders. Preservation of a safe, smooth surface which is free 
of obstruction, contiguous with the adjacent roadway surface, and as 
close as practical to the original, or subsequently improved, grade and 
cross section.
    (3) Roadside. Preservation of the roadside in a safe, pleasant, and 
forgiving manner through vegetation management, erosion control, and 
litter pick-up.
    (4) Drainage. Preservation of hydraulic capacity for which 
originally designed.
    (5) Bridges and tunnels. Preservation of the structural and 
operational characteristics for which originally designed. These include 
safe, smooth, skid-resistant surfaces; proper surface drainage; and 
adequate functioning bearing devices and substructural elements. 
Replacement or repair of structural railing and approach guardrail 
should be done without unreasonable delay. Tunnels should be cleaned, 
properly lighted, and adequately ventilated.
    (6) Snow and ice control. Preservation of the roadway safety, 
efficiency, and environment during winter driving conditions.
    (7) Traffic control devices. Preservation of clean, legible, 
visible, and properly functioning traffic control devices. This includes 
pavement markings, signing, delineators, signals, etc.
    (8) Safety appurtenances. Replacement of damaged, defective, and/or 
inoperable devices without unreasonable delay. This includes guardrails, 
impact attenuators, breakaway supports, barriers, etc.
    (9) Safety rest areas. Preservation and operation of facilities 
reasonably necessary for the convenience, relaxation, and informational 
needs of the user.
    (10) Access control. Preservation of the originally designed access 
control, elimination of unauthorized traffic movement, and prevention of 
improper or unauthorized use of the highway rights-of-way.
    (11) Traffic safety in maintenance and utility work zones. 
Procedures that will aid the safety of motorists and maintenance 
workers. The procedures shall be consistent with the provisions of 23 
CFR part 630, subpart J, and part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic 
Control Devices. \1\
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    \1\ Available for purchase from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (GPO Stock Number 
050-001-81001-8), and for inspection and copying as prescribed in 49 CFR 
7, app. D.
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    (b) All replacements and repairs should conform to the currently 
approved design standards (23 CFR part 625) for all critical elements 
listed in

[[Page 195]]

paragraph (a) of this section. Exceptions for minor repairs must be 
clearly defined in a State's maintenance program.
    (c) These guidelines shall be interpreted to expect that repairs and 
maintenance will be performed without unreasonable delay, that 
variations from the State's approved program will be allowed in 
situations involving emergency or unforeseeability, and that the State 
will seek to attain a high level of maintenance.