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MAP-21 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century

Home / MAP-21 / Questions & Answers / High Risk Rural Roads Questions & Answers

Note: This document was superseded on 2/2/2022 by HSIP Special Rules Guidance

High Risk Rural Roads Questions & Answers

Posted 12/28/2012

Question 1: Is there still a High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) program under MAP-21?

Answer 1: MAP-21 eliminates the set-aside for HRRR. However, MAP-21 included a HRRR Special Rule that requires a State to obligate a specified amount of funds on HRRRs if the fatality rate increases on rural roads in that State. States define "high risk rural roads" in their updated State Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).

Question 2: Are HRRRs eligible for HSIP funding?

Answer 2: Yes. HSIP funds can be spent on all public roads, including HRRRs.

Question 3: Which functional classifications are eligible as High Risk Rural Roads?

Answer 3: The functional classifications eligible as HRRR are rural major or minor collectors or rural local roads with significant safety risks, as defined by a State in accordance with an updated SHSP.

Question 4: What is the status of HRRR funds set aside under SAFETEA-LU?

Answer 4: HRRR funds set aside under SAFETEA-LU are subject to the SAFETEA-LU HRRR requirements and are potentially available through FY 2015 for obligation on new projects. Information on the HRRR program under SAFETEA-LU can be found using this link: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/memos/memo051906.cfm

Question 5: How will FHWA determine the amount a State received for HRRR in FY 2009 when figuring the 200 percent that must be obligated if the Special Rule applies?

Answer 4: For purposes of the Special Rule calculation, the amount a State received for HRRR in 2009 is the State's proportionate share of the HSIP apportionment set aside for HRRR. Each State's amount can be found at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/notices/n4510742/n4510742t17.cfm or in FHWA's MAP-21 High Risk Rural Roads Guidance.

Question 6: When will the HRRR Special Rule first apply?

Answer 6: The first year States would be required to obligate funds towards HRRRs in accordance with this Special Rule is FY 2014. FHWA plans to notify States by the end of calendar year 2012 regarding whether the Special Rule will apply to them.

Question 7: Will 12 months provide enough time for a State to obligate all of the specified funds?

Answer 7: Yes. FHWA plans to notify States regarding whether the Special Rule will apply nine months before the start of the next fiscal year. For instance, if the States are notified by December 31, 2012 regarding whether the Special Rule will apply for FY 2014, which begins October 1, 2013 and ends September 30, 2014, States would have 21 months from the time they are notified until they must obligate the required amount under the Special Rule.

Question 8: Which roadways will be analyzed to determine if the Special Rule applies to a State?

Answer 8: The fatality rate on roadways with the same functional classifications as HRRR will be analyzed: Rural Major Collectors, Rural Minor Collectors, and Rural Local Roads.

Page last modified on September 12, 2013
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000