Infrastructure Condition

Overview

Infrastructure Condition is a key component of the federal performance-based planning process. FHWA published the Pavement and Bridge Condition Performance Measures Final Rule on January 18, 2017 (effective date of February 17, 2017) to help monitor and manage pavement and bridge performance.

Performance Measures & Targets

The infrastructure condition performance measures in the table below were established as part of the Pavement and Bridge Condition Performance Measures Final Rule. All pavement and bridge condition performance measures require 2-year and 4-year targets, except interstate pavement condition measures which only require 4-year targets.

State DOTs were required to set initial infrastructure condition targets by May 20, 2018. MPOs had until October 2018 (180 days from the date the State DOT sets its targets) to either adopt the State DOT’s initial targets or develop its own quantifiable targets.

NCDOT adopted its initial (current) infrastructure condition targets in May 2018. CRTPO adopted the NCDOT targets in October 2018. Information about when the targets must be updated can be found in the Reporting section. NCDOT’s initial infrastructure condition targets are shown in the table below:

* Initial infrastructure condition targets are for the performance period of January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2021.
NHS = National Highway System

Plans

The Pavement and Bridge Condition Performance Measures Final Rule does not identify specific plans to be developed or updated by State DOTs or MPOs. 
 

Reporting

State DOTs were required to submit a baseline performance period report that included initial infrastructure condition targets to FHWA by October 1, 2018. Two years later (by October 1, 2020), State DOTs were required to submit a mid-performance period progress report. State DOTs could update their four-year targets as a part of the mid-performance period progress report.

NCDOT’s performance period reports are available from NCDOT upon request. NCDOT elected not to update its four-year targets as a part of its mid-performance period progress report. 

State DOTs are required to submit a full performance period report by October 1, 2022. The full performance period report will include progress toward achieving the initial targets and set two-year and four-year targets for the second performance period (January 1, 2022-December 31, 2025).

MPOs are not required to develop performance period reports but should coordinate with the State on the development of the State reports. The CRTPO reports its infrastructure condition targets to NCDOT via resolution.
 

Accountability & Transparency

FHWA requires State DOTs to assess their progress toward meeting the infrastructure condition targets biennially in their performance period report.  Significant progress will be determined from an analysis of estimated condition/performance and measured condition/performance of each of the targets.

If applicable, State DOTs will have the opportunity to discuss why targets were not achieved or significant progress was not made. State DOTs that fail to meet or make significant progress toward meeting their targets will be required to document the actions they will undertake to achieve their targets in their next biennial performance report.

FHWA has also set minimum levels for condition of pavements on the Interstate system and bridges on the NHS.  State DOTs face penalties for not maintaining minimum condition levels.  Sections 490.317 (pavement condition) and 490.413 (bridge) of the Final Rule outline the minimum levels and the penalties that apply. 

MPOs do not currently face repercussions if significant progress is not made toward meeting their targets.

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pavement Fact Sheet
• Bridge Fact Sheet