NJDOT proposes to repeal existing
permit rules for highway occupancy permits

The proposed new rules would continue to articulate the procedures by which persons can file applications to obtain permits for the performance of work over, under, or within any portion of State highway rights-of-way and property under the jurisdiction of the Department, and for activities that may interfere with the free and safe movement of normal highway traffic on the State highway system.

The proposed new rules would streamline and simplify the application process and make the chapter more understandable and user-friendly. They would provide improved permit descriptions and definitions, and would add a new type of permit for wireless communication site surveys. Finally, the proposed new rules would establish appeal and waiver processes.

In order to maintain the existing chapter in effect pending the adoption of the proposed repeal and new rules, in September 2002, the Department proposed the readoption without change of existing N.J.A.C. 16:41. See 34 N.J.R. 3169(a) (September 16, 2002).

The proposed repeal and new rules at N.J.A.C. 16:41 appears in the New Jersey Register at 34 N.J.R. 3753(a) (November 4, 2002). The public has until January 3, 2003 to comment on the proposal. Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must provide their comments in writing to Geneviève E. Raganelli, Deputy Administrative Practice Officer, NJ Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, P O Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600, Fax: (609) 530-3841. Comments must be postmarked or sent by telefacsimile on or before January 3, 2003, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.