AASHTO Journal, 10 November 2016
The Federal Highway Administration unveiled an initial list of 55 highway routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuel” corridors spanning 35 states, along with signage that state departments of transportation can use to highlight them.
Though the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, the FHWA said Nov. 3, more miles will be added in the future to accommodate electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles as additional fueling and charging stations are built.
The corridors designation fulfills a directive in last year’s Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.
The agency said routes where alternative fuel stations are currently in operation are designated as “sign-ready,” and authorities can install new signs telling drivers where they can find fuel for their vehicles. The signs are similar to those that currently alert drivers to gas stations, food and lodging.
The While House in a separate announcement said the new FHWA corridors include 48 electric vehicle charging corridors. It also outlined a number of steps with states and industry partners to increase EV usage and build out more car-charging infrastructure.
“Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of America’s transportation system,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We have a duty to help drivers identify routes that will help them refuel and recharge those vehicles and designating these corridors on our highways is a first step.”
Also on Nov. 3, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said his state’s motor pool is adding 130 long-range electric vehicles – all 2017 Chevrolet Volts with a range of more than 230 miles between recharges – which will join 120 EVs already in the state fleet.
Inslee’s announcement said the new EVs are expected to go into service early next year and will mainly replace hybrid passenger vehicles that were added to the state fleet beginning in 2001. He said the new vehicles are each projected to save nearly $3,000 over its lifetime compared with the least-expensive hybrid on the state’s vehicle purchase contract.
The FHWA’s corridor designations and related route maps followed Foxx’s call in July for states to nominate refueling corridors along major highways for FAST Act-designated fuels – plug-in electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas.
“Identifying where alternative fueling stations can be found will help the public in many ways,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “This initial designation sets the stage for the next round of nominations early next year and begins a conversation with stakeholders about developing and implementing a vision to enable coast-to-coast travel using alternative fuels.”