HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR PAVEMENTS, BRIDGES, CONGESTION, AND SAFETY

The Bush administration's post-1991 highway program reauthorization proposal incorporates the U.S. Department of Transportation National Transportation Policy recommendations by requiring states to develop and implement management systems for pavements, bridges, congestion, and safety. These systems, coupled with another policy recommendation, a national highway system (NHS), are key features of the administration's legislative proposal. In addition, operational and rehabilitation improvements of the Interstate system, which will result from the management systems, are proposed to be funded at a higher federal match, 90% versus 75% for other NHS expenditures. These management systems are in various stages of development. This article examines each system, defining its objectives and pointing out key features.