U.S. Sen. Al Franken claimed victory Monday in his campaign to head off costly federal regulations mandating new reflective road signs across America, even before the old ones have worn out.

 

The Minnesota Democrat said the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has shelved the new rules at his urging, saving Minnesota communities between $55 million and $76 million in replacement costs.

 

"I'm glad the Obama Administration listened to the concerns of communities across Minnesota and decided to eliminate these unreasonable deadlines, giving them more control over their budgets and their road signs," Franken said. 

 

The FHWA announced that they will instead allow municipalities to upgrade the signs when they are already scheduled to be replaced.