National Highway System Mapping

Under 23 U.S.C. 103 the Secretary oversees the designation of highways on the 220,000 mile National Highway System (NHS). The NHS consists of the highway routes and connections to transportation facilities that shall (A) serve major population centers, international border crossings, ports, airports, public transportation facilities, and other intermodal transportation facilities and other major travel destinations; (B) meet national defense requirements; and (C) serve interstate and interregional travel and commerce. Per 23 U.S.C. (b)(3) the Secretary may make any modification to the NHS, including any modification consisting of a connector to a major intermodal terminal or the withdrawal of a road from that system, that is proposed by a State if the Secretary determines that the modification--meets the criteria established for the National Highway System under this title after the date of enactment of the MAP–21; and enhances the national transportation characteristics of the National Highway System; or in the case of the withdrawal of a road, is reasonable and appropriate. This project is critical for preserving the accurate official map record of the extent of the NHS. Since NHS highways are eligible for funding under the National Highway Performance Program (23 U.S.C. 119 ) and the Nationally Significant Freight & Highway Projects (23 USC 117), have accurate map records are critical for eligibility determination, thus allowing States to build and repair eligible highway infrastructure.