Formula for Success

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) plays a key role in protecting the Nation's transportation investments and has an overarching stewardship responsibility for managing federally funded programs efficiently and effectively. This article reviews the role of the FHWA in assets management, through sharing innovations in technology, and providing sound technical advice and support to State partners and stakeholders. The author describes how the FHWA's oversight methods have changed over the years as the emphasis has shifted from building new highways to preserving and enhancing the existing infrastructure. The author notes that the present highway program has become increasingly complex, with environmental commitments, urban planning needs, operational requirements, and budget and political pressures all vying for the limited time of transportation agency personnel and tight financial resources. The author also discusses the FHWA process reviews and product evaluations, using examples from Illinois, Washington, and California to illustrate how this process works. The article refers readers to an FHWA publication, "Construction Program Management and Inspection Guide" (www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/cpmi04tc.htm), that discusses the steps necessary to implement an effective construction management program. A few other publications are also summarized.