AASHTO

AASHTO stands for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that represents the state, district, and territorial transportation departments in the United States. It was founded in 1914 as the American Association of State Highway Officials and later broadened to its current name to reflect a wider transportation focus. The organization serves as a forum for policy discussion and technical coordination among member agencies and other transportation stakeholders.

AASHTO develops and disseminates standards, guidelines, and best practices for highway and bridge design, construction, maintenance, safety, and operations. Its publications include widely used design references such as the Green Book (Geometric Design of Highways and Streets) and the LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, along with materials and pavement design guides. AASHTO also funds and coordinates national transportation research through programs administered by the association.

Membership comprises the state Departments of Transportation and equivalent agencies; the District of Columbia and certain other jurisdictions participate in various programs. The organization is governed by an executive committee and a president, with technical committees covering areas such as design, construction, safety, and transportation operations. AASHTO maintains regional groups and hosts annual and interim meetings that set policy direction and promote collaboration among agencies.

AASHTO standards are widely adopted by state and local agencies and influence federal transportation policy and project delivery. They provide practical, consensus-based technical guidance that helps align infrastructure planning, procurement, and performance across jurisdictions.