• NHS Maps
• NHS Regulations
• NHS Update Procedures
• Interstate Highway System
• High Priority Corridors
• Intermodal Connectors

A Simplified Step-by-Step Description of the Process for Removing Segments from the Interstate Highway System

Interstate Withdrawal Procedures

1. The State Department of Transportation(s) (State DOT) evaluates the merits of the proposed withdrawal based on the Federal Highway Administration’s Q&A guidance, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/withdrawalqa.cfm.
2. The State DOT then submits a withdrawal proposal documenting the merits of the removal, based on the requirements found in the 23 CFR 470 and the Q&A guidance to their FHWA Federal-Aid Division Office. The submission should include:
   1. The proposed revision (e.g., limits and location),
   2. An assessment describing the anticipated effect on the Interstate System, the planned use of the segment after withdrawal, any associated repayment/relinquishment implications, and documentation of coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and affected local entities.
   3. A withdrawal constitutes a Federal action which requires a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessment.
   4. A withdrawal will likely lead to the deletion of the segment from the National Network (23 CFR 658.11) and will need to be published in the Federal Register as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
3. The FHWA Division Office submits the proposal along with their recommendation to FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty (HEP).
4. FHWA HEP, reviews and processes the proposal. FHWA responds to the State DOT with a formal decision from the Administrator.

Interstate Numbering Procedures:

1. The State DOT coordinates with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s (AASHTO’s) Special Committee on Route Numbering on the proposed route numbering that would result from the withdrawal.
2. AASHTO makes a recommendation on the feasibility of the proposed numbering and coordinates with FHWA on the proposed numbering.
3. The FHWA Administrator approves all route numbering changes. Upon completion of the withdrawal action, the FHWA Administrator will notify AASHTO of his/her decision.