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National Highway System (NHS) and NHS Intermodal Connectors Update MemoACTION: National Highway System (NHS) and NHS Intermodal Connectors Update Date:November 21, 2001 (Reply due:February 15, 2002)
Attn. of: HEPS To: Division Administrators The purpose of this memo is to initiate a field review of the National Highway System (NHS), NHS intermodal connectors, and Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET). An accurate database of the NHS and its freight and passenger intermodal connectors is critical to the next re-authorization. As official keepers of the NHS, the Office of Intermodal and Statewide Programs (HEPS) has the responsibility to maintain an accurate database of the entire system. To reconcile differences that may exist between our records and the States, we are asking that a review and evaluation of the NHS, with emphasis on the connectors be initiated and that any needed corrections or official additions or deletions be submitted by the state through you for approval. As discussed in his memorandum distributing the December 2000 Report to Congress entitled, NHS Intermodal Freight Connectors, to the Divisions, Resource Centers and MPOs, Executive Director Tony Kane committed increased attention on the intermodal connectors to support the agency' s Mobility and Productivity Goal. It has been almost seven years since the original designation of the NHS connectors. Since that time, a field inventory of the condition and investments on the freight connectors was conducted as part of a report to Congress. During the conduct of the inventory, some States re-evaluated their designated connectors and recommended revisions. However, some of these revisions were not officially submitted nor recorded. In addition, changes in the business environment such as ongoing railroad mergers and restructuring, may have altered the level of activities at intermodal facilities thereby affecting the designation of the adjoining intermodal connectors. We would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the Divisions to increase their attention and efforts to assure that the intermodal connectors are not neglected in the planning process. Many of you were involved in the inventory of the NHS intermodal freight connectors conducted in late 1998. In addition to the generally poor physical and operational conditions on the connectors, you identified an array of problems and impediments to improving these critical links. This work was documented in the Report to Congress entitled, NHS Intermodal Freight Connectors, which can be retrieved at this web address, http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/infrastr/nhs/index.htm. We encourage you to review the report to gain a fuller understanding of the problems associated with making improvements on intermodal connectors. While we have made progress in getting intermodal connectors considered in the planning process, the congressional report suggests that many areas are not making great strides in this regard. One of the major problems identified by the States and MPOs in the field inventory for the report was that NHS freight connectors do not get priority, given the pressing needs on the mainline system. Connectors are often viewed as primarily serving private interests and that the community benefits little in improving them. These concerns have been expressed so widely in outreach events, that they may be addressed in TEA-21 reauthorization. In advance of that, we ask that you use this opportunity to meet with our State and local partners to better understand the importance and needs on the NHS connectors, and to examine where, and how, the Federal-aid program as currently authorized can be used to effectively bring attention to these short, but important NHS segments, and what innovative approaches, including financing, would be the most useful and effective means to support future improvements. This is not only a freight issue. Following the events of September 11, connectors are seen as a national security issue, as well, providing intermodal choice to shippers and the defense industry when, and if an event of national or local emergency occurs. To help your review, we have attached current official maps of the NHS and a listing of intermodal terminals (freight and passenger) for your State. The descriptions were originally submitted during the designation of the NHS and NHS connectors and include any subsequent corrections officially submitted by the field offices. We are also providing two copies each of the State and urbanized area NHS maps with the identified connectors to assist in reviewing the description. Additional electronic maps can be found on our web site at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/nhs/review/index.html. If there are questions concerning the maps, or additional copies are needed, please contact Mr. Mark Sarmiento (202-366-4828). If any errors in the maps or the descriptions are found, they should be corrected on the second copy of the map and returned to HEPS-20, attention Mike Neathery. Attached appendices will outline the guidance needed to perform the review. Please submit the completed reviews by February 15, 2002. Questions and technical assistance regarding this review should be directed to Mr. Mike Neathery 202-366-1257. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Appendices:
ContactMike Neathery, mike.neathery@fhwa.dot.gov, (202)366-1257 |
