This project will examine what losses to state highway functionality occur over time and what actions can be taken to preserve, recover, and enhance functionality over time. The key characteristic of functionality to be addressed will be operational capacity and efficiency. However, a state highway’s function also derives from its right of way (including boundary conditions like access), infrastructure conditions, and safety, so those will also be considered.

This project will examine experiences and results for highways within and outside Texas, both from existing information and through case studies of selected Texas highways. The research will seek to establish cause and effect relationships between various policies, actions, and practices and the resulting functionality over the life cycle of highways. The project will produce a research report, a guidebook of recommended practices, and workshops delivered to TxDOT districts.