scope:

INTRODUCTION

When highway departments were first formed in the early 20th century, they were seen as construction organizations. Design was a minor responsibility of the organizations. Agency leadership quickly realized, however, that constructing a road properly required a technically adequate and implementable design. As a fledgling road network developed, network maintenance became a recognized activity im portant to the long-term success and stability of the highway system. During World War II, very little investment was made in the highway system, enabling the United States to devote its resources to the war effort. After World War II, the deteriorated highway system was rapidly expanded and rehabilitated. This increased level of investment to expand and rebuild the highway network created an awareness of the need to begin a rational management process of highway maintenance.