Transportation Infrastructure: Preserving the Nation's Investment in the Interstate Highway System
RCED-91-147
Published: Aug 02, 1991. Publicly Released: Sep 03, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined: (1) the condition of the Interstate Highway System; and (2) federal and state efforts to ensure its preservation.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In reauthorizing the federal-aid highway program, Congress may wish to consider directing the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish goals for the condition of the Interstate Highway System; (2) monitor state progress in meeting those goals; and (3) require minimum investment levels in interstate preservation projects on a state-by-state basis where Interstate pavement conditions fall below DOT condition goals. |
Closed – Implemented
|
While Congress did not establish goals and investment levels, it did take alternative action in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-240) to target greater resources to interstate preservation, including establishing a National Highway System and Interstate Maintenance Program, providing a higher federal match for interstates, and requiring state monitoring. |
| In reauthorizing the federal-aid highway program, Congress may wish to consider expanding the eligibility parameters of the Interstate 4R Program to include preventive maintenance activities directed at preserving the life of interstate pavement. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Congress, in section 119(4)(e) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-240) permitted, for the first time ever, the use of federal funds for interstate preventive maintenance, providing the states can demonstrate that such activities are cost-effective and extend pavement life. |
| In reauthorizing the federal-aid highway program, Congress may wish to consider directing the Secretary of Transportation to report to Congress on Interstate maintenance investment requirements and expenditures nationwide and on progress in achieving adequate interstate maintenance and preservation. |
Closed – Implemented
|
In section 6006 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-240), Congress established a Bureau of Transportation Statistics within DOT to report on, among other things, the condition of the nation's surface transportation system. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FHwA, to work closely with the states to develop measurable standards for maintaining the Interstate Highway System. These standards should become part of FHwA inspection and oversight processes for judging the adequacy of state maintenance on the interstate highways. |
Closed – Implemented
While DOT disagreed with the recommendation and declined to take action, Congress, in section 1009(c)(2) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-240), required the Secretary to develop and make available to the states criteria for determining what constitutes adequate interstate maintenance.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FHwA, to revise the FHwA Maintenance Review Manual to specify the: (1) desired level of detail for conducting inspections and for reporting inspection results; and (2) procedures for following up on identified deficiencies, particularly safety-related deficiencies. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOT disagreed with the recommendation and stated in its response to the report and in its December 31, 1991, letter to the Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, that it did not intend to adopt it. GAO continues to believe that action is needed to correct identified deficiencies.
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Federal aid for highwaysstate relationsHighway planningHighway researchInterstate highwaysInterstate programsPavement performancePublic roads or highwaysRoad constructionRoad pavementsRoad repairs