Executive Summary
Welcome to the 2008 edition of Highway Statistics.
The data collected and published in the annual Highway Statistics is used by all levels of government and the public to assess the performance of the Nation's highway transportation system as well as identify future highway system options. The data are extensively used by various agencies of the Federal, State, and local governments, institutions of higher learning, industry, consultants, professional organizations, and the public for a host of purposes. Data are used for assessing highway system performance under FHWA's strategic planning and performance reporting process developed in accordance with requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and for apportioning Federal-aid highway funds under Federal legislation. The information is used by FHWA to develop and implement legislation and by State and Federal transportation officials to adequately plan, design, and administer effective, safe, and efficient transportation systems. The data collected are essential to FHWA and Congress in evaluating effectiveness of the Federal-aid highway program providing a wide variety of related data that provide a representative cross section of the highway assets of the Nation. Used in combination with the annual Highway Statistics published back to 1945, the capability to analyze an extensive time series of data exists.
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