MN SF2162

Political subdivisions may adopt alternative roadway design standards by resolution from recognized sources (MnDOT Facility Design Guide, AASHTO, NACTO, GDCI guides, or other FHWA-approved standards) and bypass state commissioner review of geometric designs for state-aid projects

No variance required for narrowing lanes from 11 to 10 feet in urban/suburban areas, designs allowed in MnDOT's Facility Design Guide, trunk highway standards for similar contexts, or Safe Routes to School projects

Commissioner must grant or deny variances within 30 days; if denied, the commissioner must notify legislative transportation committee chairs and ranking minority members with justification within 30 days

Creates a new Advisory Committee on Design Variances with 4 legislators, county/city engineers, local officials, and MnDOT representatives to review and recommend approval or denial of variance requests, subject to open meeting law

Political subdivisions adopting alternative standards must indemnify the state and are exempt from certain municipal liability claims; biennial reports to legislature required on variance committee activities