Standards and specifications (AASHTO, FHWA)

Standards and specifications from organizations like AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) and FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) set quality and safety rules for designing, building, and maintaining roads and bridges. These guidelines ensure consistency, durability, and safety across transportation projects nationwide. They specify materials, construction methods, and performance criteria so that infrastructure is reliable and meets federal and state requirements. In essence, they are the official blueprints that help engineers and contractors build transportation systems that are safe, efficient, and long-lasting.