Below you will find FHWA’s latest information and resources in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. General information on COVID-19 is available on Coronavirus.gov.

• In coordination with FHWA, Congress included a legislative clarification regarding Special Permits During Periods of National Emergency, 23 USC 127, in the CARES Act for FY2020. This provision will help ensure the continued free flow of critical relief supplies and other essential goods when responding to the recovery efforts during emergencies like the current pandemic. It provides important clarification regarding States’ authority to issue permits for overweight vehicles and loads on the Interstate when the President declares an emergency or major disaster under the Stafford Act.

• FHWA guidance addressing the upcoming expiration of special permits and whether the CARES Act clarification impacts the statutory time limits

• Communication to States and local highway agencies through FHWA Division Offices regarding their authority to use Changeable Message Signs for messages concerning COVID-19 during the Presidentially declared national emergency.

• FHWA continues to work closely with the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and state transportation partners around the country to facilitate the safe, efficient, and seamless transport of critical supplies across the Nation. This includes support for maintaining the operation of rest areas: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/media/aashto.cfm.

• FHWA issued a Notice of Enforcement Discretion allowing for States to permit the use of food trucks in rest areas to serve commercial truck drivers.

• For USDOT specific resources, visit https://www.transportation.gov/coronavirus.

• Information regarding guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations can be found in OMB Memorandum M-20-17 dated March 19, 2020.

• FHWA Guidance related to virtual public involvement in the planning process for Metropolitan Planning Organizations

• FHWA Guidance related to virtual public involvement in the NEPA process

Return to top