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Getting Digital: Updating The Highway Performance Monitoring System

Apr 03, 2025 - forbes.com
The article discusses the need to modernize the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), a database developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1978 to aid in infrastructure decision-making. Despite its benefits, the HPMS is outdated, with its last update in 1998, and relies heavily on states for data collection, which is costly and time-consuming. This reliance detracts from more critical infrastructure activities, and the system's inability to leverage modern technologies like AI and machine learning represents a significant opportunity cost.

The article suggests a complete overhaul of the HPMS, proposing a centrally managed national digital infrastructure map that utilizes AI, machine learning, and automation for data collection and analysis. This approach would reduce the burden on state agencies and allow them to focus on maintenance and improvements. By leveraging federal resources and potential public-private partnerships, the system could provide dynamic and continuous insights, leading to a safer and more equitable transportation network across the United States.

Key takeaways:

  • The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) is outdated and requires modernization to better serve transportation agencies.
  • The current system relies heavily on state-collected data, which is costly and time-consuming, detracting from more impactful infrastructure activities.
  • There is a need to leverage modern technologies like AI, machine learning, and automation to create a more efficient and dynamic national digital infrastructure map.
  • A reimagined HPMS could provide continuous, automated insights, freeing up resources and enabling more effective decision-making for transportation agencies.
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