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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
ALASKA REGION (REGION 10)
JUNEAU, ALASKA
FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Supplement No.: R-10 7700-2004-1
Effective Date: November 22, 2004
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Jacqueline Myers (for)
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 12/11/2004
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by title number and calendar
year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain
this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this title was 770099-1 to FSM 7710.
New Document
7730
12 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
7730 (7700-96-1, 5/17/96)
12 Pages
Digest:
This supplement converts the format and style of this chapter to the new FSM template using the
agency’s current corporate word processing software. Where chapters were previously
organized into more than one document, they are now merged into one chapter whenever
possible.
Although some minor typographical and technical errors have been corrected, this supplement
contains no changes to the substantive direction in this chapter.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
7731 - ROAD OPERATION
7731.04b - Forest Supervisors
6. Inspect and where necessary perform structural analyses to determine appropriate
loading and use criteria for retaining walls, log transfer facilities, and other transportation
structures.
Where trail bridges have particularly unique conditions of use that appear to justify rating or
posting criteria other than that presented in Region 10 supplement to FSM 7736.2, submit
alternative posting criteria and supporting rationale for approval by the Director of Engineering
and Aviation Management.
7731.13 - Traffic Control on Specifically Authorized Roads
Forest Supervisors are responsible for traffic management on Forest Development Roads,
including off-road vehicles (ORV's) and over-snow vehicles.
The goal for over-snow vehicles is to minimize the conflicts of mixed use according to the
following priorities:
1. Provide separate facilities.
2. Separate use periods.
3. Manage concurrent use.
Avoid taking any actions that would deviate from State Statutes. Traffic on Forest Development
Roads is subject to State traffic laws where applicable, except when in conflict with the rules
established under 36 CFR Part 261. Enforcement of traffic laws and licensing should be handled
by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
The Alaska Driver's Manual states that every person who operates a motor vehicle on Alaska
streets, highways, or other public property must have a valid Alaska driver's license or permit.
This should be enforceable by the State of Alaska Department of Safety. The Forest Service can
enforce ORV regulations and State laws covered by an order.
The Forest Service has the authority to allow snowmobile/ATV use under Alaska Public Safety
Regulations 13 AAC 02.455 (a)(2) and (3): 1/
____________________
1/
Alaska Public Safety regulation restricts snowmobile/ORV use on a roadway, shoulder, or a
highway (13 ACC 02.455).
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
"(2) When use of the highway by other motor vehicles is impossible
because of snow or ice accumulation or other natural conditions or
when the highway is posted or otherwise designated as being open to
travel by off-highway vehicles;
(3) When highway driving is authorized by an authority having
jurisdiction over the highway, but only in accordance with restrictions
which may be imposed by that authority with regard to highway use."
Roads may be designated for separate use periods such as season, weekday/weekend, or
day/night. Notify the public of the locations, effective dates, and duration that roads may or may
not be used. Provide appropriate signs.
Because of the potential for accidents as a result of authorizing snowmobile or ATV use, the
safety of snowmobile users and other traffic must be an important consideration in determining
whether to grant authorization for use and under what circumstances. Reduce the chance for
claims by informing the public of the rules and regulations and properly signing for traffic
expected.
Refer to FSM 7731.14 for procedures to follow when issuing the Forest Supervisor's orders.
7731.14 – Orders
The Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 212.7(a)(2)(i)) establishes the maximum load limits,
lengths, widths, and heights for vehicles using the Forest Development Road System as State
Highway load limits. The mechanism for establishing higher or lower limits by an order
according to 36 CFR 261 is also included in the CFR.
By order shown in 7731.14 - Exhibit 01, the maximum loads for the Region are established in
conformance with 36 CFR 212.7(a)(2)(i) and 36 CFR 261.54(d). By the order, the traditional
use of heavy loaded vehicles with a center-to-center width between the tires on an axle of a
nominal 6 feet (measured center front tire to center front tire) used for timber hauling, mining,
road construction, and timber harvest equipment is in conformance with the CFR requirements
(See 7731.14 - Exhibit 02). The width description provides a direct field measurement for
identifying the wider trucks requiring a permit.
The use of heavy loaded vehicles on easements granted to cost share cooperators and on
easement grants from the State of Alaska also requires that the upper limits be established. Each
Forest Supervisor should reduce these maximum limitations on selected roads and groups of
roads as needed by the issuance of appropriate orders and the posting of weight limits on bridges.
By the order, there are no maximum height or length limitations on vehicles on Forest
Development Roads. Width limitations are established, both on overall width of the truck and
load, and in the setting of a maximum width between tires on an axle for trucks. Forest
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Supervisors have full authority to establish lower maximums, if needed, by issuing a road order
and posting the limits.
Maximum vehicle width is the widest part of the vehicles and/or load, measured from the
furthest extent on each side of the vehicle. The maximum vehicle width is limited to 14 feet.
This width will protect essential safety provisions on bridges, the guardrails, and bridge object
markers. It will also protect other users of the road. The limit is based on the clearance on
current standard of bridges and the bridge object markers (road hazard signs) required to be
maintained at the end of guardrails on bridges. Reduced widths may be needed on specific roads
or bridges. The Forest Supervisor has full authority to establish lower limits if needed.
The order is specific to the Forest Development Road System. Forest highways, state highways,
and roads under the jurisdiction of other agencies are not included. State highway maximum
limits are applicable on roads other than Forest Development Roads unless there is a specific
agreement providing for higher maximums. Posted limits are maximum allowable on a road.
The State highway load limits and number of axles required to carry the load will normally be
the practical load limitation on those Forest Development Roads that are tributary only to the
State Highway System. Practicality may dictate reliance on the State's enforcement of limits on
State highways rather than establishing Forest Service limits to match State load limits.
The road order is to be posted in all Supervisor's Offices and Ranger District Offices with other
applicable road orders. Additional posting should be made as needed including the posting of
load limits at bridges.
1. Exhibits to the Order R-10-96-01. Section 2 of the Order notes exhibits to the order.
Forest Supervisors should include a listing and mapping of included roads and/or trails. The
listing and mapping should be separate for sections A, B, and C if they differ.
Exhibits referencing traffic (Section 2, B.) should list the types of traffic. For example, when the
intent is to exclude commercial traffic use the wording similar to the following:
The following commercial traffic is prohibited:
Shuttle bus or shuttle vehicle service
Motorized vehicle tours or package trips
Hiking tours
Bicycle tours
Horseback riding tours
Photography tours
General sightseeing tours
Other tours
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
TRAIL/VEHICLE USE CLOSURE
(Attachment Example)
(Name of Forest)
(Name of District)
(Purpose of Attachment, i.e., Seasonal Closure)
Pursuant to Regional Forester Order No. R-10-96-01, (Prohibited vehicle and/or traffic) is
prohibited when posted on the following (Roads and/or trails) during the time period specified:
Road/Trail NameNumber
Termini
Approx.
Miles
(Period of Closure)
From
To
Provide the information as indicated here
Approved at (Location), Alaska, this ______ day of ____________, 199_ .
_________________
Forest Supervisor
2. Permits to Exceed Limits Set in the Order. Limitations in the order may be exceeded
by a written permit issued by a Forest Officer. Contractors, timber sale purchasers, or cost share
cooperators are not authorized to exceed the maximum limits established by the order unless an
explicit permit to exceed the maximum limit is issued by a Forest Officer.
See FSH 7709.59, Chapter 20, section 24 for road use permitting processes.
a. Maximum Weight. The maximum weights in the road order may be exceeded
with issuance of a written permit for each occurrence of an overweight load. Permits
to exceed the maximum weight must be noted and copies provided to the staff
responsible for road operations and maintenance. There are limits on the number of
times and extent of excess load that bridges can be overloaded safely. Issue
overweight permits only on a case-by-case basis.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
b. Maximum Height or Length. If a Forest Supervisor establishes limits for
maximum height or length, permits are required for vehicles exceeding the maximum
limits for height or length. Consider special safety measures that may be effective to
prevent accidents to other traffic on the road before issuing permits.
c. Maximum Vehicle Width. Written permits may be issued by Forest Officers for
vehicles to exceed the width limit. These written permits should be issued on a caseby-case basis. Special provisions may be needed such as signing, pilot cars, flagging,
or other measures to assure risk, exposure, and potential consequences are at
acceptable levels.
3. The Relationship of the Order to Easements. In general, the Forest Service does not
grant easements which would not be subject to this order. The Forest Service obtains easements
that in some cases contain a right of use. Orders are generally not applicable on easements
reserved under Section 17(b) for roads existing at the time of conveyance, except for those
closing the road or appurtenance or safety reasons.
4. Orders on Easements from Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Policy
for the regulation of roads on easement grants obtained from the Alaska Department of Natural
Resources is as follows:
Closures and orders issued for roads and trails on easement grants (R-10 Supplement to FSM
5460.1) obtained from DNR must be in accordance with and for the purposes specified in the
easement document. Any closure or order limiting usage of a road or trail crossing State lands
for which an easement grant has been obtained will be forwarded to the District Manager, State
of Alaska, Division of Land and Water Management.
It is generally not appropriate to install road or trail closures issued for land management
purposes on State lands. The closures should be located on the National Forest at locations
which will not limit the public's access to State lands. Orders and closures (particularly
temporary closures) to protect public safety or protect the Government's investment in the
facility are appropriate and are included within the easement grant terms.
Posting a warning at intersections that a closure is in effect on National Forest lands (0.X miles
ahead) will avoid delaying or misinforming the public.
7731.16 – Permits
Require permits for commercial use of all Forest development roads. Require a road use permit
when commercial users are transporting both National Forest products and commercial products
on Forest development roads.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Do not charge for road use permits (Form FS-7700-41) for hauling of non-Federal commercial
products or other commercial use on National Forest Roads when the user's share of total
maintenance is incidental ($1000 or less annually). Calculate commensurate shares as described
in FSH 7709.58.
The Forest Supervisor may delegate authority to issue Road Use Permits when the user's share of
maintenance is incidental and period of use is less than one year, provided appropriate
procedures have been established to:
1. Determine incidental use using the Forest commensurate share values.
2. Provide timely coordination with maintenance management.
Snow removal on roads under Forest Service jurisdiction must be authorized through a road use
permit, contract agreement (such as a timber sale contract), or other written permit. Include
equipment and operation requirements in the permit for safety, and protection of the road surface
and other physical features from damage during snow removal.
7731.22 - Principles of Investment Sharing
Use of Forest development roads for removal of commercial products from ANSCA selection
lands requires sharing of cost in the road.
7731.23 - Appropriateness of Investment Sharing
If the amount to be borne by user(s) is estimated to be at least $1,000, investment sharing is
feasible.
7731.3 – Enforcement
Require investment sharing in the road system by users of Forest development roads for
commercial hauling of non-Federal products commodities, or materials when feasible.
Performance of offsetting work by the cost-sharing party (ies) is generally preferred as the
method of payment.
7731.42 - Accident Surveillance
All known reportable motor vehicle accidents occurring on Forest Development Roads open to
public travel will be identified and inventoried. Identification of accidents involving Forest
Service employees shall be accomplished by using procedures in FSM 6730. For accidents not
involving Forest Service employees, initial identification should be made to the Forest
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Supervisor or assigned responsible staff person. Initial identification should include date of
accident, road number, and milepost of road segment. The assigned staff person should obtain
additional details on each accident identified by contacting the investigating State or local
officials.
7732 - ROAD MAINTENANCE
7732.22 - Maintenance by Commercial Users
Maintenance costs should be shared with non-Federal commercial haulers or users when the
estimated amount to be borne by the user will be at least $100 for the users' anticipated use.
7732.23 - Maintenance by Local Authorities
23 U.S.C. 101 defines the following:
"The term 'Forest Highway' means a forest road under the
jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority and open to
public travel."
"...jurisdiction of...a public authority..." is when one or more of the
following has occurred:
1. Easements or special use permits have been granted to and accepted by a public road
authority such as the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF) for
operation of the road as a highway.
2. A contractor of the Federal Highway Administration has begun work and the contract
specifically requires the contractor to assume maintenance and operation of the road during the
contract period.
3. The Alaska DOT/PF has accepted the construction work performed by Federal
Highway Administration Contractor under the provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding.
4. A public road agency is exercising jurisdiction and maintaining the roadway. There
may not have been a formal agreement establishing the jurisdiction.
The Forest Service can no longer exercise control nor regulate the use of roads when under the
jurisdiction of a public authority.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7700 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
7733 - SAFETY PROVISION ON FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS
7733.04c - Forest Supervisors
4. An inventory of accident locations shall be maintained on each Forest. As a
minimum, the inventory shall include the accident report and documentation of an accident
surveillance and analyses performed (FSM 7731.13).
Records shall be kept on the Forest for 5 years. A stick-pin map should be maintained as a visual
display of the Forest vehicle accident history. Consideration should be given to assigning a color
or code to identify the type of accident or reference an accident report.
7736 - BRIDGE OPERATION
7736.04c - Regional Staff Directors for Engineering Activities
3. Provide Regional assistance in the inspection, structural analyses, and operation of
transportation structures.
7736.2 - Technical Inspections
Apply the requirements of this section to retaining walls, timber transfer facilities, and other
transportation structures.
7736.51 - Rating Bridges
Follow the guidelines of R-10 supplements to FSH 7709.56b for all structural load ratings of
highway structures.
Determine the allowable load carrying capacity of trail bridges in accordance with appropriate
pedestrian, stock, or trail vehicle loading consistent with the design guidelines of the current
edition of AASHTO Standard specifications, Uniform Building Code, or other recognized design
standard authority.
7736.52 - Posting Bridges
Post highway structures for reduced loading in accordance with FSH 7709.56b as supplemented
for R-10 special loads.
Close or immediately repair all trail bridges that are inadequate to support the following loads at
Operating Stress levels, (33 percent increase above basic allowable stress).
1. A concentrated load of 400 pounds placed anywhere on the structure.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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2. A uniform load of 85 psf placed anywhere over 30 percent of the span for bridges less
than 40 feet long.
3. A uniform load of 60 psf placed anywhere over 30 percent of the span for bridges over
40 feet long.
Post trail bridges for an appropriate reduced load (maximum number of people, stock, number,
or size of trail vehicles) for all bridges that are inadequate to support the following loads at
Operating Stress level.
1. A pedestrian load of 800 pounds placed over 6 foot of deck length anywhere on the
span.
2. A uniform load of 85 psf placed anywhere over 50 percent of the span for bridges over
40 feet long.
3. A uniform load of 60 psf placed anywhere over 50 percent of the span for bridges over
40 feet long.
4. Any reasonable assumption of stock or vehicle loading.
Carefully consider the problems associated with enforcement of use restrictions. Where stock or
vehicle use is anticipated, prohibit all use when the structure is inadequate to support any
reasonable assumption of loading. If a pack string is reasonable and the bridge can support only
two animals--close to all stock traffic.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7731.14 - EXHIBIT 01
ORDER NO. R-10-96-01
FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS
AND TRAILS
ALASKA REGION
1. Pursuant to Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart B, Section 261.50(a)(b), the following is prohibited
on National Forest Development roads and trails located within Alaska:
A. Using a road for commercial hauling. 36 CFR 261.54(c).
B. Operating a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons or
in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. 36 CFR
261.54(f).
2. The following is prohibited on National Forest Development roads and trails when identified on attached exhibits
of this order:
A. Using any type of vehicle specified in the exhibit. 36 CFR 261.54(a), 36 CFR 261.55(b).
B. Use by any type of traffic specified in the exhibit. 36 CFR 261.54(b), 36 CFR 261.55(c).
C. Operating a vehicle in violation of a posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width, or other posted
limitations. 36 CFR 261.54(d).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the
performance of an official duty.
2. Person engaging in an act otherwise prohibited by this order, who has a permit, or easement specifically
authorizing the act.
This order supersedes all previous Regional Forester and Forest Supervisor orders pertaining to 36 CFR
261.54(a),(b),(c),(d), and (f) and 36 CFR 261.55(c).
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR, Part 261.
Done at Juneau, Alaska, this 17 day of May 1996.
/s/ Kimberly Evart Bown for
PHIL JANIK
Regional Forester
Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6
months or both. Title 16 U.S.C., Section 551 and Title 18 U.S.C., Section 3571 as amended December 7, 1987.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/22/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7730 – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
7731.14 - EXHIBIT 02
MOTOR VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
USDA FOREST SERVICE
REGION 10
ALASKA
Pursuant to Regional Order R-10-96-1, Forest Development Roads and Trails, operating a motor
vehicle or mobile equipment on a Forest Development Road in excess of the following limits is
prohibited unless a permit has been issued:
Vehicle/Equipment
Maximum Axle Load
Total GVW
Wheeled vehicle with a center-to-center spacing between the tires on an axle of greater than a
nominal 6 feet (2 meter) width.
Two-axle vehicle
56,000 pounds
52 tons
Three-axle vehicle
56,000 pounds
72 tons
Five-axle vehicle
- wheel base not less
than 37.5 feet
37,000 pounds
80 tons
Tracked equipment
Average 2,000 pounds per square foot track
pressure. (Standard USFS L90 Log Loader,
90 ton on two 15 X 3 foot tracks).
A lower load limit can be established by an order of the Forest Supervisor.
B. There is no height or length limitation for vehicles operating on a Forest Development
Road. A smaller limit can be established by an order of a Forest Supervisor.
C. Vehicle width in excess of 14 feet on Forest Development Roads is prohibited unless
an order or over-width restriction permit has been issued by the Forest Supervisor or their
designated acting.
/s/ Kimberly Evart Bown for
PHIL JANIK
Regional Forester
5/17/96
Date