Interstate Access Policy
On September 19, 2023, FHWA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. As a condition of funding for Federal-aid highway projects, Federal law prohibits State departments of transportation (State DOT) from adding any point of access to or from the Interstate System without the approval of the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary). This proposed rule would codify and clarify existing policies and practices regarding State DOT requests for and FHWA approval of changes in access to the Interstate System. The deadline for comments was October 19, 2023.
Watch a recorded presentation about the proposed rule (Passcode: DAytNg1@) or view the presentation slides.
The Interstate System is a critical element of the surface transportation system, providing a network of limited access freeways which facilitate the distribution of virtually all goods and services across the United States. The Interstate System also influences the mobility and safety of people and goods by providing access to local highways and networks of public streets. As a result, it is in the national interest to preserve and enhance the Interstate System to meet the needs of the surface transportation system of the United States for the 21st Century.
The FHWA's Policy on Access to the Interstate System provides the requirements for the justification and documentation necessary to substantiate any proposed changes in access to the Interstate System. This policy also facilitates decision-making regarding proposed changes in access to the Interstate System in a manner that considers and is consistent with the vision, goals, and long-range transportation plans of a metropolitan area, region, and State. All new or modified points of access must be approved by FHWA and developed in accordance with federal laws and regulations (as specified in 23 U.S.C. 109 and 111, 23 C.F.R. 625.4, and 49 C.F.R. 1.48(b)(1)). The complete text of this policy and the previous policy may be viewed at the following links:
- Current Policy on Access to the Interstate System (5-22-17)
- Interstate Access Policy Memo (5-22-17)
- 2009 Policy on Access to the Interstate System (8-18-09) (Superseded)
- 1998 Policy on Access to the Interstate System (2-4-98) (Superseded)