WSR 17-07-100

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed March 21, 2017, 7:57 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 468-95-302 Flagger stations.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 47.36.30 [47.36.030] Traffic control devices—Specifications to counties and cities—Signs, banners over highway.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current rule prohibits flaggers from flagging within an intersection and the rule edit will clarify the language to allow flaggers within the intersection as long there is a flagger for each intersection leg.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) coordinated the adoption and modification of MUTCD for use in the state of Washington in conjunction with FHWA.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and the city of Seattle requested a modification on the existing rule to allow flaggers within an intersection. The editorial changes will allow flaggers within the intersection and creates a safer condition for motorists and pedestrians. The city of Seattle and FHWA support the editorial changes incorporated into this rule.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rick Mowlds, State Sign Specialist, WSDOT, Headquarters Traffic Operations Office, P.O. Box 47344, Olympia, WA 98504-7344, phone (360) 705-7988, fax (360) 705-6826, or email mowldsr@wsdot.wa.gov.

March 21, 2017

Karen Larsen, Director

Risk Management and Legal Services