The bill amends the existing law regarding the closure of highways under 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 restrict the complete closure of highways or bridges that serve 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 for construction, improvement, or repairs, and only for the minimum time required 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 work with the accessibility needs of communities affected by such closures.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 247.291