IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS MANDATED BY THE ISTEA

The intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) has given more flexibility to states and local governments in determining transportation solutions that address their specific needs. The legislation also requires all states to improve or revamp their old models of transportation planning. Six management systems are mandated: highway pavement; bridge; highway safety; traffic congestion; public transportation facilities and equipment; and intermodal transportation facilities and systems. A traffic monitoring system for highways is also required. The new legislation requires that all seven of these management system be fully operational by October 1998 for all highways. This report briefly reviews the evolution of the Management Systems Enabling Regulations, and presents the results of a survey on the status of implementation of these systems at the national level. The focus is on documenting the common experiences among the states.