Our History

In 1893, the U.S. Congress established an Office of Road Inquiry within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its job was to collect and distribute information on road construction and maintenance, and to help meet the farmers' needs for better road transportation.

In 1918, the Office of Road Inquiry became the Bureau of Public Roads. The BPR, as it was called, was transferred to the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1949.

The Federal Highway Administration is the successor of the BPR. It has been an administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation since the department's creation in 1967.

Legislation Today

The funding of the Nation's Interstate System and other Federal-aid highway is provided through legislation, enacted by the U.S. Congress. These funds are used to improve the Nation's major highway systems.

Future Directions

Decisions made today will influence highway transportation well into the 21st century. The FHWA must meet the challenges of tomorrow, which will include the following:

• Continuing the development of highway technology.
• Improving highway and motor carrier safety.
• Promoting the movement of commerce.
• Promoting National defense.
• Improving rural accessibility and intercity connectivity.
• Promoting urban/suburban mobility
• Preserving the existing highway system.