FHWA revises proposed tunnel inspection standards

Washington – The Federal Highway Administration has updated its proposed National Tunnel Inspection Standards to incorporate provisions mandated by MAP-21, a surface transportation funding bill signed into law July 2012.

FHWA originally issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on developing highway tunnel inspection standards in July 2010. The updated proposal includes inspection and reporting requirements for FHWA to help identify tunnels with safety problems, such as cracked concrete or missing fire escape route signs. MAP-21 also requires FHWA to develop comprehensive training and certification for tunnel inspectors, as well as standards on safe inspection procedures.

The inspection safety standards would integrate applicable OSHA worker safety requirements, such as personal protective equipment in confined spaces.

Comments on the updated proposal are due Sept. 30.