The National Highway Performance Program (NHPP) provides support for the condition and performance of the National Highway System (NHS), for the construction of new facilities, and to ensure that investments of Federal-aid funds in highway construction are directed to support progress toward the achievement of performance targets established in a State's asset management plan for the NHS.
State DOTs are required to set 2-year and 4-year targets, however MPOs are only required to set 4-year targets. For the target setting process, to the maximum extent practicable, the MPO and State DOTs must coordinate in the selection of performance targets.
Pavement Condition
For each of the below performance measures MPOs can agree to support the State DOT Target or establish their own target specific to the MPO planning area:
- Percentage of pavements on the Interstate System in Good condition
- Percentage of pavements on the Interstate System in Poor condition
- Percentage of the non-interstate National Highway System in Good condition
- Percentage of the non-interstate National Highway System in Poor condition
On February 16, 2023, the Transportation Policy Board (TPB) of the Memphis MPO approved a resolution to support the 4-year targets. On November 21, 2024, the TPB approved MDOT's updated 4-year targets. The current targets are shown in the table below.
| Tennessee (TDOT) | Mississippi (MDOT) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pavement Condition Performance Measures | Baseline | 4-Year Target (2025) | Baseline | 4-Year Target (2025) |
| Percent of Pavement in Good Condition (Interstate) | 70.8% | 58.0% | 71.2% | >55.0% |
| Percent of Pavement in Poor Condition (Interstate) | 0.20% | 1.0% | 0.70% | <5.0% |
| Percent of Pavement in Good Condition (Non-Interstate NHS) | 40.3% | 36.0% | 37.7% | >20.0% |
| Percent of Pavement in Poor Condition (Non-Interstate NHS) | 4.10% | 6.0% | 4.2% | <10.0% |
Bridge Condition
For each of the below performance measures, MPOs can agree to support the State DOT Target or establish their own target specific to the MPO planning area:
- Percentage of National Highway System bridges classified as in Good condition
- Percentage of National Highway System bridges classified as in Poor condition
On February 16, 2023, the Transportation Policy Board of the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) approved a resolution indicating that the Memphis MPO will support each individual state's bridge condition targets. On November 21, 2024, the TPB approved MDOT's updated 4-year targets. The current targets are shown in the table below.
| Tennessee (TDOT) | Mississippi (MDOT) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Condition Performance Measures | Baseline | 4-Year Target (2025) | Baseline | 4-Year Target (2025) |
| Percent of Bridges by Deck Area in Good Condition | 32.5% | 32.0% | 55.8% | >45.0% |
| Percent of Bridges by Deck Area in Poor Condition | 5.0% | 6.0% | 2.8% | <5.0% |
By agreeing to support the states’ (Mississippi and Tennessee) Infrastructure Condition targets, the Memphis MPO agrees to:
- Work with the states and relevant stakeholders to address areas of concern for pavement and bridge conditions within the metropolitan planning area
- Coordinate with the states and include the infrastructure condition targets for those measures in the long-range regional transportation plan (RTP)
- Integrate into the metropolitan transportation planning process, the infrastructure goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in other state transportation plans and processes
- Include a description in the TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) of the anticipated effect of the TIP toward achieving pavement and bridge condition targets in the RTP, linking investment priorities in the TIP to those infrastructure condition targets
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does projected conditions for pavement and bridges mean?
-
We understand why this phrase can sound a little technical. In plain language, projected conditions for pavement and bridges means the expected future condition of roads and bridges based on the best information available today.
Are these guaranteed conditions?
No. These are projections, not promises. A projection is an educated estimate. It uses current data, past trends, expected wear and tear, and planned investments to help transportation agencies understand what roads and bridges may need in the future.
What kind of information may be used?
- Current pavement condition
- Bridge inspection data
- Age of the roadway or bridge
- Traffic volumes
- Weather impacts
- Maintenance history
- Planned repairs or improvements
- Available funding
Why does this matter?
Roads and bridges do not stay in the same condition forever. Over time, traffic, weather, drainage issues, heavy trucks, and normal aging can cause pavement to crack or bridges to need repair. Projecting future conditions helps agencies plan ahead instead of only reacting after something becomes a bigger problem.
A simple example: Think about a driveway or roof at home. You may know it is still usable today, but you can also see signs that it may need repairs in a few years. You might not know the exact date it will need work, but you can make a reasonable plan based on its current condition and age. Transportation agencies act in a similar way.
The projections in transportation planning help answer important questions, such as:
- Which roads may need resurfacing?
- Which bridges may need repairs or replacement?
- Where should limited funding be focused first?
- What happens if funding increases or decreases?
- Are current investments enough to keep the system in good condition?
Does a projected poor condition mean a road or bridge is unsafe?
Not automatically. A poor pavement condition may mean the road is rough, cracked, or in need of repair. For bridges, condition ratings help agencies monitor and prioritize maintenance. If a bridge has a serious safety concern, it is addressed through inspection, posting, repair, restriction, or closure processes.
Bottom line?
Projected conditions for pavement and bridges are planning tools. They help agencies understand future maintenance needs, make smarter investment decisions, and keep the transportation system safe and reliable.
Additional Resources
Resolution to Support Updated Performance Measure Targets for the State of Mississippi - 11.21.24
