The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the procedures and standards for state-aid engineering and design variances, granting local road authorities increased flexibility in roadway design. It allows political subdivisions to adopt alternative roadway design standards without requiring state-aid engineering variances, contingent upon passing a resolution. The bill specifies design guides that qualify as alternative standards and mandates that the commissioner of transportation will not review geometric designs for projects utilizing these standards. Additionally, it establishes an advisory committee to oversee design variances and requires legislative notification for denied variance requests, promoting transparency in the process.

Key amendments include a new subdivision that outlines the format for submitting variance requests, which must detail project identification, the specific standards for which the variance is sought, proposed modifications, and an analysis of potential impacts. The bill clarifies that certain design modifications, such as lane narrowing in urban areas, will not require variances and emphasizes safety considerations in evaluating requests. It also repeals existing Minnesota Rules related to variance requests and modifies the rulemaking process for these evaluations. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, for county and municipal state-aid roadway projects initiated after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 162.02, 162.09, 162.155
1st Engrossment: 162.02, 162.09, 162.155