FWHA Unveils National ‘Alternative Fuel’ Network

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuel” corridors spanning 35 states. Though the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, more miles will be added in the future to accommodate natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electric vehicles as additional fueling and charging stations are built.

“Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of America’s transportation system,” said U.S. 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.”

Those corridors designated as “sign-ready,” meaning routes where alternative fuel stations are currently in operation, will be eligible to feature new signs alerting drivers where they can find fuel for their alternative fuel vehicles. These signs are similar to existing signage that alerts drivers to gas stations, food, and lodging. The designation of these corridors fulfills a directive in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. In July, Secretary Foxx called on states to nominate national fueling corridors along major highways. The specific fuels were designated by Congress in the FAST Act.

“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,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau.

The new signs, and a list of the new sign-ready corridors, can be found on the FHWA website.