2003-4 Regulatory Agenda (Rules) - Maine Turnpike Authority - State of Maine

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99-420
Maine Turnpike Authority
2003-2004 Regulatory Agenda

UMBRELLA UNIT NUMBER: 99-420
AGENCY NAME: Maine Turnpike Authority

CONTACT PERSON: Margaret Trueworthy, Secretary-Treasurer, 430 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine 04103, Tel: (207) 871-7771, x123

EMERGENCY RULES ADOPTED SINCE THE LAST REGULATORY AGENDA: None

EXPECTED 2003-2004 RULE MAKING ACTIVITY:

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.2A: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: No Heavy Duty Vehicles in the Third Lane (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA Sec. 1965(a)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: To foster clean air on the Turnpike by restricting trucks to the two right hand lanes on any section of the Turnpike south of Mile 44 that consists of three lanes in each direction.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: A public hearing was held on this rule in July and the public comment period is closed. The Authority currently plans to take final action on this rule in November.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change will help to meet the EPA's conformity requirements for mobile emissions under the Clean Air Act by resulting in an estimated reduction in emissions of 72 kg per day of nitrogen oxide pollutants (NOx) by the year 2006. It would also help to improve traffic flow on the southern end of the Turnpike.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.3: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Keep Right - Pass on the Left Only (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: To restrict commercial vehicles from using the passing lane during inclement winter weather conditions in an effort to improve safe travel in these extreme situations.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the next twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit all travelers by improving the safety of the highway but would significantly restrict the free flow of commercial traffic during periods of snow and ice and would, as such, require careful investigation prior to proposal.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.4: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Parking (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: (1) to prohibit truck parking in car lots in service areas, (2) to prohibit non-handicap parking in spaces as posted, and (3) to prohibit parking on access ramps.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the next twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change would improve enforcement mechanisms but would not significantly change the benefits or regulations applied to any party.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.5 and 1.6: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Median Strip and No U-Turn (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: To redraft and reconstruct these rules to more effectively allow restriction of travel through median openings and to more effectively discourage U-Turns at toll areas.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change would improve existing enforcement mechanisms yet could also serve to limit median crossovers by contractors and other parties who are accustomed to such access.

CHAPTER 1: CMR Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Towing
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA Sec. 1965(1)(C), 1973, 1980
PURPOSE: To allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to clarify and institute regulations for tow operations, tow trucks and others performing services on the Turnpike.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit travelers whose vehicles become disabled by improving services provided, and would affect tow operators.

CHAPTER 1: CMR Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Information Signing
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 MRSA 1965(1)(U)
PURPOSE: To allow the MTA to institute a program for informational signing with respect to lodgings and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Turnpike.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit travelers by providing motorists with information on local services.

OTHER PROPOSED RULE CHANGES: The Maine Turnpike Authority may propose other changes throughout the year as they become necessary for reasons of improved safety, enforcement and administration, or as a result of studies that the Maine Turnpike Authority is currently undertaking, all within the restrictions and limitations of 5 M.R.S.A. Section 8060.