85R12469 AAF-D
By: Garcia S.B. No. 2101
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of guardrails
by the Texas Department of Transportation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 201.623 to read as follows:
Sec. 201.623. GUARDRAIL INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND
REPAIR. (a) This section applies only to a guardrail constructed on
a highway or right-of-way of a highway that is in the state highway
system.
(b) The department shall conduct a study regarding the
inspection, maintenance, and repair of guardrails. The study must
include:
(1) the number of guardrails;
(2) the date of the last inspection of each guardrail;
(3) the condition of each guardrail;
(4) standards and best practices for the inspection,
maintenance, and repair of guardrails;
(5) the potential of each guardrail to be damaged by a
motor vehicle;
(6) whether each guardrail is designed to absorb the
energy from a potential impact from a motor vehicle; and
(7) an estimate of the amount of money and the number
of full-time equivalent employees necessary to inspect and maintain
the guardrails.
(c) The department shall develop a plan to implement the
study conducted under Subsection (b). The plan must:
(1) dedicate a portion of money from funds related to
highway maintenance for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of
guardrails;
(2) establish minimum standards based on the results
of the study under which the department conducts inspection,
maintenance, and repair of guardrails; and
(3) establish a schedule for the inspection,
maintenance, and repair of guardrails.
(d) The department shall:
(1) update the plan developed under Subsection (c) as
new information is made available regarding the inspection,
maintenance, and repair of guardrails;
(2) maintain records of the inspection, maintenance,
and repair of guardrails; and
(3) publish on the department's Internet website the
records maintained by the department under Subdivision (2).
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2019, the Texas
Department of Transportation shall submit to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, and the legislature a report on the results of
the study conducted under Section 201.623(b), Transportation Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. Not later than January 1, 2021, the Texas
Department of Transportation shall submit to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, and the legislature the plan required by
Section 201.623(c), Transportation Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.