Bill > SF2162

This bill modifies state transportation design standards to give local authorities more flexibility in road design. Specifically, the bill allows political subdivisions (counties and cities) to adopt alternative roadway design standards from recognized sources like the Department of Transportation Facility Design Guide, AASHTO, NACTO, and other federally recognized design guides without requiring a traditional variance process. The bill establishes an advisory committee on design variances that will review and make recommendations on variance requests, and requires the commissioner of transportation to notify legislative committees if a variance is denied. Local authorities adopting alternative design standards must do so by resolution and will be responsible for ensuring the design meets safety and engineering requirements. The bill also requires the commissioner to forgo review of geometric designs in most cases, with exceptions for vertical clearances and specific safety considerations. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to provide more local control over road design while maintaining safety standards and providing a transparent review process for design variations.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2162&ssn=0&y=2025