Requirements relating to design standards and variances in certain transportation projects modified, and report required.

This bill modifies Minnesota's transportation design standards and variance procedures for county state-aid projects, affecting local governments and the state Department of Transportation. It establishes that design standards for new or modified road projects must follow the most recent Facility Design Guide, while allowing commissioners to grant variances from these standards upon written request from political subdivisions. The bill requires commissioners to evaluate variance requests within 30 days, provide written justification for denials, and notify legislative committee chairs if a variance is rejected. It also mandates special consideration for modifications that narrow lanes in urban areas, improve safety for nonmotorized users near schools or transit, or follow alternative design guides recognized by federal agencies.