Temporary Closures of Sidewalks and Parking Areas Along Federal Aid Routes

FHWA has provided a temporary exception (Federal EO 13924) for use of sidewalks and parking areas, along federal aid roadways, for additional restaurant and/or retail space to assist with social distancing. The exception only applies for temporary installations for an initial period of 120 days between June 5 and December 1, 2020.

FHWA provided the following additional provisions:

• Each applicant must follow their permit process and include applicable environmental review under 23 CFR 771.
• Safety measures for protection of pedestrians and drivers need to be addressed as part of the permit and monitored by the local agency.
• In accordance with American Disabilities Act (ADA) a minimum of a 4-foot-wide path providing the same accessibility for pedestrian which existed prior to the temporary use.
• The temporary use should not impede the safe and free flow of traffic and vehicular speeds should be 25mph or less.

FHWA has delegated responsibility to MDOT to track permits for local federal aid routes and to ensure full closures have a traffic plan for the continuity and accessibility of the federal-aid system. MDOT has developed a spreadsheet to track these locations. Please provide your local MDOT TSC office the routes, limits, dates, and whether it meets the above provisions.