Temporary Closure of I-70 (I-70/I-465 West Leg Interchange to the I-70/I-65 South Split Interchange) on October 7, 2010, in Indianapolis, IN, 38606-38608 [2010-16094]
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38606
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 127 / Friday, July 2, 2010 / Notices
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are
from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES
Electronic Access
An electronic copy of this notice may
be downloaded from the Office of the
Federal Register’s home page at https://
www.archives.gov and the Government
Printing Office’s Web site at https://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Background
Section 5207 of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU)
(Pub. L. 109–59, Aug. 10, 2005),
established the Surface Transportation
Environment and Planning Cooperative
Research Program, in section 507 of
Title 23, United States Code. The FHWA
anticipates that the STEP or a similar
program to provide resources for
national research on issues related to
planning, environment, and realty will
be included in future surface
transportation legislation. The general
objective of the STEP is to improve
understanding of the complex
relationship between surface
transportation, planning, and the
environment.
The SAFETEA–LU provided $16.875
million per year for FY 2006–2009 to
implement this cooperative research
program. Due to obligation limitations,
recissions, and congressional
designation of Title V Research in
SAFETEA–LU, on average $14.5 million
of the $16.875 million authorized was
available each fiscal year. We anticipate
similar funding levels in the next
authorization.
The STEP is the primary source of
funds for FHWA to conduct research
and develop tools and technologies to
advance the state of the practice
regarding national surface
transportation and environmental
decisionmaking. In FY 2011, the FHWA
expects to seek partnerships that can
leverage limited research funding in the
STEP with other stakeholders and
partners in order to increase the total
amount of resources available to meet
the nation’s surface transportation
research needs.
The FY 2011 STEP will support the
implementation of a national research
agenda that includes:
(1) Conducting research to develop
climate change mitigation, adaptation
and livability strategies;
(2) Developing and/or supporting
accurate models and tools for evaluating
transportation measures and developed
indicators of economic, social, and
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18:27 Jul 01, 2010
Jkt 220001
environmental performance of
transportation systems to facilitate
alternative analysis;
(3) Developing and deploying
research to address congestion
reduction efforts;
(4) Developing transportation safety
planning strategies for surface
transportation systems and
improvements;
(5) Improving planning, operation,
and management of surface
transportation systems and rights of
way;
(6) Enhancing knowledge of strategies
to improve transportation in rural areas
and small communities;
(7) Strengthening and advancing
State/local and tribal capabilities
regarding surface transportation and the
environment;
(8) Improving transportation
decisionmaking and coordination across
borders;
(9) Improving state of the practice
regarding the impact of transportation
on the environment;
(10) Conducting research to promote
environmental streamlining/
stewardship and sustainability;
(11) Disseminating research results
and advances in state of the practice
through peer exchanges, workshops,
conferences, etc;
(12) Meeting additional priorities as
determined by the Secretary; and
(13) Refining the scope and research
emphases through active outreach and
in consultation with stakeholders.
The FHWA is issuing this notice to: (1)
To announce revisions to the STEP
Implementation Strategy for the FY
2011 STEP in anticipation of future
surface transportation legislation, and
(2) to solicit comments on proposed
research activities to be undertaken in
the FY 2011 STEP via the STEP Web
site. The STEP Implementation Strategy
was revised to: Update information on
the graph and chart regarding historical
planning and environment research
funding, and to add information about
proposed FY 2011 STEP including
proposed funding levels, goals, and
potential research activities.
We invite the public to visit this Web
site to obtain additional information on
the STEP, as well as information on the
process for forwarding comments to the
FHWA regarding the STEP
implementation plan. The URL for the
STEP Web site is:
The FHWA will use this Web site as
a major mechanism for informing the
public regarding the status of the STEP.
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Authority: 23 U.S.C. 507.
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Issued on: June 21, 2010.
Victor M. Mendez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2010–15949 Filed 7–1–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–22–M
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
[Docket No. FHWA–2010–0059]
Temporary Closure of I–70 (I–70/I–465
West Leg Interchange to the I–70/I–65
South Split Interchange) on October 7,
2010, in Indianapolis, IN
AGENCIES: Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice and Request for
Comment.
SUMMARY: The Indiana Department of
Transportation (INDOT) has requested
FHWA approval of INDOT’s proposed
plan to temporarily close a segment of
I–70 (from the I–70/I–465 west leg
interchange to the I–70/I–65 south split
interchange) on October 7, 2010, for a
12-hour period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The closure is requested to
accommodate a concentrated I–70
beautification project sponsored by
INDOT. The request is based on the
provisions 23 CFR 658.11 which
authorizes the deletion of segments of
the federally designated routes that
make up the National Network
designated in Appendix A of 23 CFR
Part 658 upon approval by the FHWA.
The FHWA seeks comments from the
general public on this request submitted
by INDOT for a deletion in accordance
with section 658.11(d) for the
considerations discussed in this notice.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before 30 days after date of
publication in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: The letter of request along
with justifications can be viewed
electronically at the docket established
for this notice at https://
www.regulations.gov. Hard copies of the
documents will also be available for
viewing at the DOT address listed
below.
Mail or hand deliver comments to the
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Dockets Management Facility, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, or fax comments
to (202) 493–2251. Alternatively,
comments may be submitted via the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://
www.regulations.gov (follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments).
All comments should include the
docket number that appears in the
E:\FR\FM\02JYN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 127 / Friday, July 2, 2010 / Notices
heading of this document. All
comments received will be available for
examination and copying at the above
address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Those desiring notification of
receipt of comments must include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard or you
may print the acknowledgment page
that appears after submitting comments
electronically. All comments received
into any docket may be searched in
electronic format by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on
behalf of an association, business, labor
union, etc.). Persons making comments
may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (Volume
65, Number 70, Pages 19477–78), or you
may view the statement at https://
dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Michael P. Onder, Team Leader Truck
Size and Weight and Freight Operations
and Technology Team, (202) 366–2639,
Raymond W. Cuprill, Office of the Chief
Counsel, (202) 366–0791, Federal
Highway Administration; 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC
20590, and Mr. Robert Tally, FHWA
Division Administrator-Indiana, (317)
226–7476. Office hours for FHWA are
from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access and Filing
You may submit or retrieve comments
online through the Federal eRulemaking
portal at: https://www.regulations.gov.
The Web site is available 24 hours each
day, 365 days each year. Electronic
submission and retrieval help and
guidelines are available under the help
section of the Web site.
An electronic copy of this document
may also be downloaded from Office of
the Federal Register’s home page at:
https://www.archives.gov/federal_register
and the Government Printing Office’s
Web page at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov.
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES
Background
The INDOT has submitted a request to
FHWA for approval of the temporary
closure of a segment of I–70 in Indiana
(from the I–70/I–465 west leg
interchange to the I–70/I–65 south split
interchange) on October 7, 2010, for a
12-hour period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(The incoming request and supporting
documents can be viewed electronically
at the docket established for this notice
at https://www.regulations.gov.) This
closure will be undertaken in support of
the I–70 beautification project that will
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18:27 Jul 01, 2010
Jkt 220001
take place with the participation of
approximately 9,100 Lilly ‘‘Day of
Service’’ volunteers. These volunteers
will be working within five different
I–70 interchanges along both sides of
I–70. Approximately 5,600 volunteers
will be assigned to work on the north
side of I–70 and approximately 3,500
workers will be assigned to the south
side. Both groups have 1 hour
appropriated for arrival and parking as
well as 1 hour for departure from the
construction corridor. A comprehensive
plan for the arrival and departure times,
parking, and emergency evacuation
(should it be necessary) has been
developed. The INDOT has indicated
that by closing the Interstate through the
work zone, lengthy delays caused by the
restriction of lanes will be eliminated as
well as distractions to the motoring
public caused by the 9,100 workers and
associated activities. In addition, the
temporary closure would eliminate the
risk of work zone accidents in the area
of these work zones. The INDOT
believes that the best way to ensure the
safety of the workers will be to
eliminate vehicular travel through the
corridor while the work in the
interchange areas is being conducted.
The closure also provides additional
safety to the motorists by eliminating
the distraction that could be caused by
the significant amount of workers
within the interchanges and by
eliminating the need for traffic
restrictions in the actual work zone. A
12-hour condensed closure provides a
safer condition for workers and provides
better conditions than a long-term
construction work zone with the
associated work zone set ups and
restrictions that would otherwise take
place over many days.
The FHWA is responsible for
enforcing the Federal regulations
applicable to the National Network of
highways that can safely and efficiently
accommodate the large vehicles
authorized by provisions of the Surface
Transportation Assistance Act of 1982
(STAA), as amended, designated in
accordance with 23 CFR Part 658 and
listed in Appendix A. In accordance
with sec. 658.11, the FHWA may
approve deletions or restrictions of the
Interstate system or other National
Network route based upon specified
justification criteria in sec. 658.11(d)(2).
Requests for deletions are published in
the Federal Register for notice and
comment.
The FHWA seeks comments on this
request for temporary deletion from the
National Network in accordance with 23
CFR 658.11(d). Specifically, the request
is for deletion of I–70 (from the
I–70/I–465 west leg interchange to the
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
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38607
I–70/I–65 south split interchange) from
the National Network on October 7,
beginning at 6 a.m., for one consecutive
12-hour period. The temporary closure
of I–70 to general traffic should have a
negligible impact to interstate
commerce. Using a comparison of lane
mile computations, traffic will be
detoured to I–465 around the south side
of Indianapolis adding only 2 to 3
minutes additional time to Interstate
travel. Re-routed I–70 through traffic via
I–465 is approximately 18 miles around
the south side of I–465 (to get to the
interchange of I–70 and I–465 on the
east side). If I–70 were to remain open
with restrictions, the mileage to I–70
and I–465 on the east side would be
approximately 16 miles. However,
vehicles would be traveling at a reduced
speed limit, resulting in large queue
lengths creating back-ups which would
add significant time to their commute.
The detour will have a negligible impact
on interstate commerce as the I–465
diversion route would add little
distance or time to an interstate or long
distance trip. Businesses requiring
deliveries adjacent to the closed area
will be encouraged to receive deliveries
before or after the October 7 closure
times in order to minimize these local
impacts.
Commercial motor vehicles will use
I–465 around the south side of
Indianapolis. During the time of closure
there will be some INDOT construction
along the detour route and along
Interstate I–465 on the west side of
Indianapolis. The detour route will have
no lane restrictions for motorists during
this time and INDOT will not plan for
any lane closures in other nearby
construction zones. The INDOT will
increase the Hoosier Helper workforce
(freeway service patrols) along I–465 to
address incident response and minimize
any incident impacts. The INDOT will
issue a press release to inform the
community of the closure and will post
the closure in Road Restriction System
(RRS) and INDOT’s traveler information
Web site Traffic Wise (https://
www.trafficwise.in.gov) to help with
notification to the motorists.
The temporary closure plan has been
prepared in accordance with INDOT’s
transportation plan and has been
reviewed and approved by the city of
Indianapolis and the Indianapolis
Metropolitan Police Department. The
INDOT has reached out to Federal,
State, and local agencies to ensure a
collaborative and coordinated effort to
address the logistical challenges of the
I–70 beautification project. The Illinois
Department of Transportation and the
Ohio Department of Transportation have
been informed of this proposal.
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38608
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 127 / Friday, July 2, 2010 / Notices
Additionally, efforts have been made to
work with the various transit systems as
well as the American Trucking
Association. The INDOT has met with,
and gained support from the Indiana
Motor Trucking Association, and has
the endorsement of the city of
Indianapolis, specifically The Greater
Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and
the local business districts adjacent to
the closure. (Full list of endorsements
can be viewed electronically at the
docket established for this notice at
https://www.regulations.gov).
The INDOT has carefully evaluated all
possible alternatives and after doing so
believes the temporary closure of I–70 is
the best way to ensure the safety not
only to the volunteer workers, but also
to the motorists. The INDOT is actively
working with KIB and Lilly to develop
an aggressive communications plan
utilizing local business associations
along the I–70 corridor, Indianapolis
Downtown, Inc., and media outlets.
Special consideration will be given to
local and national trucking publications.
Event day media staging areas and
command posts are also included in the
plan.
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127, 315 and 49
U.S.C. 31111, 31112, and 31114; 23 CFR Part
658.
Issued on: June 22, 2010.
Victor M. Mendez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2010–16094 Filed 7–1–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Departmental Offices: Privacy Act of
1974, as Amended
Departmental Offices, Treasury.
Notice of Alteration of Privacy
Act System of Records for the Home
Affordable Modification Program.
AGENCY:
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the
Treasury gives notice of a proposed
alteration to the system of records
entitled ‘‘Home Affordable Modification
Program—Treasury/DO.’’ The system
was last published in its entirety in the
Federal Register on April 20, 2010, at
75 FR 20699.
DATES: Comments should be received no
later than July 2, 2010. The proposed
routine use will be effective August 11,
2010 unless the Department receives
comments that would result in a
contrary determination.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to
the Deputy Assistant Secretary Fiscal
Operations and Policy, Department of
the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania
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18:27 Jul 01, 2010
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Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220.
The Department will make such
comments available for public
inspection and copying in the
Department’s Library, Room 1428, Main
Treasury Building, 1500 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220,
on official business days between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern
Time. You can make an appointment to
inspect comments by telephoning (202)
622–0990 (this is not a toll-free
number). All comments, including
attachments and other supporting
materials, received are part of the public
record and subject to public disclosure.
You should submit only information
that you wish to make available
publicly.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Theodore R. Kowalsky, Manager, Data &
Information Technology, Office of
Financial Agents, Department of the
Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW., Washington, DC 20220, at 202–
927–9445 (not a toll free number) or at
Ted.Kowalsky@do.treas.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Department established the Home
Affordable Modification Program
(HAMP), pursuant to the Emergency
Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
(Pub. L. 110–343) (the ‘‘EESA’’), to
enable eligible homeowners who have a
record of making timely mortgage
payments, but are experiencing
hardships in doing so, to modify the
principal amounts and interest rates of
their mortgage loans. The purpose of
this alteration to Routine Use (13) is to
increase the number of Federal entities
to whom information may be disclosed
under the routine use by adding the
Department of Justice (‘‘DOJ’’) and the
Federal financial regulators who
supervise and regulate financial
institutions that participate in or receive
certain benefits from HAMP, or who
evaluate programs of similar design.
Additionally, the Bank of New York
Mellon (‘‘BNYM’’) has been designated
as another Financial Agent for the Home
Affordable Modification Program
(‘‘HAMP’’) and its facilities in Nashville,
TN, and Somerset, NJ are being added
under the heading ‘‘System Location.’’
The system of records notice was last
published in its entirety on April 20,
2010, at 75 FR 20699.
The report of an altered system of
records, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r)
of the Privacy Act, has been provided to
the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate, and the Office of
Management and Budget.
PO 00000
Frm 00153
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
For the reasons set forth in this
preamble, the Department proposes to
alter system of records Treasury/DO
.218, entitled ‘‘Home Affordable
Modification Program,’’ as follows:
TREASURY/DO .218
SYSTEM NAME:
Home Affordable Modification
Program Records—Treasury/DO.
SYSTEM LOCATION:
Description of change. Remove the
current entry and in its place add the
following: ‘‘The Office of Financial
Stability, Department of the Treasury,
Washington, DC. Other facilities that
maintain this system of records are
located in: Urbana, MD, Dallas, TX, and
a backup facility located in Reston, VA,
all belonging to the Federal National
Mortgage Association (‘‘Fannie Mae’’); in
McLean, VA, Herndon, VA, Reston, VA,
Richardson, TX, and Denver, CO,
facilities operated by or on behalf of the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (‘‘Freddie Mac’’); and
facilities operated by or on behalf of the
Bank of New York Mellon (‘‘BNYM’’) in
Nashville, TN, and a backup facility
located in Somerset, NJ. Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac and Bank of New York
Mellon have been designated as
Financial Agents for the Home
Affordable Modification Program
(‘‘HAMP’’).’’
*
*
*
*
*
ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE
SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND
THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
*
*
*
*
*
Description of changes: The phrase
‘‘the Federal financial regulators, the
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),’’ is
added to Routine Use (13) between the
phrases ‘‘Department of Housing &
Urban Development,’’ and ‘‘and the
Federal Housing.’’ In addition, the
phrase ‘‘to ensure compliance with
HAMP and other laws,’’ is added
between the words ‘‘HAMP’’ and ‘‘and to
report’’ such that Routine Use (13) is
revised to read as follows:
‘‘(13) Disclose information and
statistics to the Department of Housing
& Urban Development, Federal financial
regulators, the U.S. Department of
Justice (‘‘DOJ’’), and the Federal Housing
Finance Agency to improve the quality
of services provided under HAMP, to
ensure compliance with HAMP and
other laws, and to report on the
program’s overall execution and
progress;’’
*
*
*
*
*
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 127 (Friday, July 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38606-38608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-16094]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
[Docket No. FHWA-2010-0059]
Temporary Closure of I-70 (I-70/I-465 West Leg Interchange to the
I-70/I-65 South Split Interchange) on October 7, 2010, in Indianapolis,
IN
AGENCIES: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice and Request for Comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has requested
FHWA approval of INDOT's proposed plan to temporarily close a segment
of I-70 (from the I-70/I-465 west leg interchange to the I-70/I-65
south split interchange) on October 7, 2010, for a 12-hour period from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The closure is requested to accommodate a concentrated
I-70 beautification project sponsored by INDOT. The request is based on
the provisions 23 CFR 658.11 which authorizes the deletion of segments
of the federally designated routes that make up the National Network
designated in Appendix A of 23 CFR Part 658 upon approval by the FHWA.
The FHWA seeks comments from the general public on this request
submitted by INDOT for a deletion in accordance with section 658.11(d)
for the considerations discussed in this notice.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before 30 days after date of
publication in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: The letter of request along with justifications can be
viewed electronically at the docket established for this notice at
https://www.regulations.gov. Hard copies of the documents will also be
available for viewing at the DOT address listed below.
Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or fax comments to (202) 493-
2251. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov (follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments). All comments should include the
docket number that appears in the
[[Page 38607]]
heading of this document. All comments received will be available for
examination and copying at the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring
notification of receipt of comments must include a self-addressed,
stamped postcard or you may print the acknowledgment page that appears
after submitting comments electronically. All comments received into
any docket may be searched in electronic format by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Persons
making comments may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70,
Pages 19477-78), or you may view the statement at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael P. Onder, Team Leader
Truck Size and Weight and Freight Operations and Technology Team, (202)
366-2639, Raymond W. Cuprill, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-
0791, Federal Highway Administration; 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, and Mr. Robert Tally, FHWA Division
Administrator-Indiana, (317) 226-7476. Office hours for FHWA are from
7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access and Filing
You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Federal
eRulemaking portal at: https://www.regulations.gov. The Web site is
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Electronic submission
and retrieval help and guidelines are available under the help section
of the Web site.
An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from
Office of the Federal Register's home page at: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register and the Government Printing Office's Web page at:
https://www.gpoaccess.gov.
Background
The INDOT has submitted a request to FHWA for approval of the
temporary closure of a segment of I-70 in Indiana (from the I-70/I-465
west leg interchange to the I-70/I-65 south split interchange) on
October 7, 2010, for a 12-hour period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (The
incoming request and supporting documents can be viewed electronically
at the docket established for this notice at https://www.regulations.gov.) This closure will be undertaken in support of the
I-70 beautification project that will take place with the participation
of approximately 9,100 Lilly ``Day of Service'' volunteers. These
volunteers will be working within five different I-70 interchanges
along both sides of I-70. Approximately 5,600 volunteers will be
assigned to work on the north side of I-70 and approximately 3,500
workers will be assigned to the south side. Both groups have 1 hour
appropriated for arrival and parking as well as 1 hour for departure
from the construction corridor. A comprehensive plan for the arrival
and departure times, parking, and emergency evacuation (should it be
necessary) has been developed. The INDOT has indicated that by closing
the Interstate through the work zone, lengthy delays caused by the
restriction of lanes will be eliminated as well as distractions to the
motoring public caused by the 9,100 workers and associated activities.
In addition, the temporary closure would eliminate the risk of work
zone accidents in the area of these work zones. The INDOT believes that
the best way to ensure the safety of the workers will be to eliminate
vehicular travel through the corridor while the work in the interchange
areas is being conducted. The closure also provides additional safety
to the motorists by eliminating the distraction that could be caused by
the significant amount of workers within the interchanges and by
eliminating the need for traffic restrictions in the actual work zone.
A 12-hour condensed closure provides a safer condition for workers and
provides better conditions than a long-term construction work zone with
the associated work zone set ups and restrictions that would otherwise
take place over many days.
The FHWA is responsible for enforcing the Federal regulations
applicable to the National Network of highways that can safely and
efficiently accommodate the large vehicles authorized by provisions of
the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), as amended,
designated in accordance with 23 CFR Part 658 and listed in Appendix A.
In accordance with sec. 658.11, the FHWA may approve deletions or
restrictions of the Interstate system or other National Network route
based upon specified justification criteria in sec. 658.11(d)(2).
Requests for deletions are published in the Federal Register for notice
and comment.
The FHWA seeks comments on this request for temporary deletion from
the National Network in accordance with 23 CFR 658.11(d). Specifically,
the request is for deletion of I-70 (from the I-70/I-465 west leg
interchange to the I-70/I-65 south split interchange) from the National
Network on October 7, beginning at 6 a.m., for one consecutive 12-hour
period. The temporary closure of I-70 to general traffic should have a
negligible impact to interstate commerce. Using a comparison of lane
mile computations, traffic will be detoured to I-465 around the south
side of Indianapolis adding only 2 to 3 minutes additional time to
Interstate travel. Re-routed I-70 through traffic via I-465 is
approximately 18 miles around the south side of I-465 (to get to the
interchange of I-70 and I-465 on the east side). If I-70 were to remain
open with restrictions, the mileage to I-70 and I-465 on the east side
would be approximately 16 miles. However, vehicles would be traveling
at a reduced speed limit, resulting in large queue lengths creating
back-ups which would add significant time to their commute. The detour
will have a negligible impact on interstate commerce as the I-465
diversion route would add little distance or time to an interstate or
long distance trip. Businesses requiring deliveries adjacent to the
closed area will be encouraged to receive deliveries before or after
the October 7 closure times in order to minimize these local impacts.
Commercial motor vehicles will use I-465 around the south side of
Indianapolis. During the time of closure there will be some INDOT
construction along the detour route and along Interstate I-465 on the
west side of Indianapolis. The detour route will have no lane
restrictions for motorists during this time and INDOT will not plan for
any lane closures in other nearby construction zones. The INDOT will
increase the Hoosier Helper workforce (freeway service patrols) along
I-465 to address incident response and minimize any incident impacts.
The INDOT will issue a press release to inform the community of the
closure and will post the closure in Road Restriction System (RRS) and
INDOT's traveler information Web site Traffic Wise (https://www.trafficwise.in.gov) to help with notification to the motorists.
The temporary closure plan has been prepared in accordance with
INDOT's transportation plan and has been reviewed and approved by the
city of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police
Department. The INDOT has reached out to Federal, State, and local
agencies to ensure a collaborative and coordinated effort to address
the logistical challenges of the I-70 beautification project. The
Illinois Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of
Transportation have been informed of this proposal.
[[Page 38608]]
Additionally, efforts have been made to work with the various transit
systems as well as the American Trucking Association. The INDOT has met
with, and gained support from the Indiana Motor Trucking Association,
and has the endorsement of the city of Indianapolis, specifically The
Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the local business
districts adjacent to the closure. (Full list of endorsements can be
viewed electronically at the docket established for this notice at
https://www.regulations.gov).
The INDOT has carefully evaluated all possible alternatives and
after doing so believes the temporary closure of I-70 is the best way
to ensure the safety not only to the volunteer workers, but also to the
motorists. The INDOT is actively working with KIB and Lilly to develop
an aggressive communications plan utilizing local business associations
along the I-70 corridor, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., and media
outlets. Special consideration will be given to local and national
trucking publications. Event day media staging areas and command posts
are also included in the plan.
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127, 315 and 49 U.S.C. 31111, 31112, and
31114; 23 CFR Part 658.
Issued on: June 22, 2010.
Victor M. Mendez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2010-16094 Filed 7-1-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P