The bill amends the existing law regarding the closure of highways and bridges during construction, improvement, or repair. It allows highway officials to close any highway or portion of a highway that is undergoing such work, provided that suitable barriers are erected at the ends and intersections of the closed areas. The bill introduces new provisions that prevent the complete closure of a highway or bridge that serves as the only access or exit for a community, or where alternative routes are frequently obstructed by railroad crossings.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a highway or bridge may be entirely closed to traffic only if necessary construction or repairs require it, and only for the minimum time needed to complete the work. The construction must be carried out expediently to ensure that a portion of the highway or bridge is reopened to traffic as soon as possible. This amendment aims to balance the need for infrastructure improvements with the accessibility needs of communities.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 247.291