When is public notice required prior to altering a highway?

Public notice is required prior to altering a highway when the alteration affects the public’s use of the road. This ensures that the community is informed about changes that may impact traffic flow, accessibility, and overall road safety. Public notification is an important step in the regulatory process, as it allows for community engagement and can lead to valuable feedback. This is particularly relevant because alterations can range from minor adjustments to major renovations, yet the key factor for requiring notice is the degree to which it affects public use.

Construction activity alone does not automatically necessitate public notice unless it impacts how the public interacts with the roadway. Similarly, not all transportation projects are subject to notification; it largely depends on the scope and expected impact of the work. Major highways might have specific regulations, but this does not mean that public notice is strictly limited to that category. Thus, the overarching principle for requiring public notice is based on the potential effects on public use rather than the nature or scale of the project itself.