Office of Highway Policy Information

Mission

The Office of Highway Policy Information serves as the national source of surface transportation data; providing the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congress, and transportation community with accurate information products in a timely manner to inform the development and implementation of decisions, policies, legislation, programs, and performance goals, while constantly striving to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection and analysis on travelers and the physical, operational and financial condition of our transportation system. As the national transportation environment continues to evolve, we provide innovative, timely, customer responsive products and publications for use by stakeholders from all areas.

The Office of Highway Policy Information (HPPI) is within the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs. HPPI provides leadership in the development of policy and represents FHWA in Congress and to the international highway community.

Divisions

Motor Fuel and Highway Finance

Administers the 500-Series data relating to motor fuel distribution/consumption and taxation, highway system usage indicators, and highway infrastructure funding activities. Administers Highway Use Tax Evasion (HUTE) and Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) oversight programs. Data managed are provided by state agency partners and used to support the Federal-aid Highway Program’s reauthorization activities, to develop proposed legislation and reports for submission to Congress, and to analyze existing and proposed Federal-aid funding methods and levels.

Travel Monitoring and Surveys

Administers the national traffic monitoring program, the national truck weight monitoring program, the national travel behavior program, long distance travel origin destination data, and national model program. The division also takes on the responsibility of conducting research on strategic challenging issues including, but not limited to: future travel demand, vehicle miles traveled, long distance passenger travel, congestion, and revenue.

Highway System Performance

Administers the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data system, and coordinates with the States on the reporting of mileage and performance data of the nation’s highway system to FHWA. The data is used in the attribution of funds from the Highway Trust Fund on an annual basis. The data is the underlying data for the Conditions & Performance Report to Congress.

Data Analytics and Visualization

Tells FHWA’s story through data by developing quality analytic and visualization products best suited for the intended audiences. Products include dashboards, infographics, web tools, data quality reviews, and public use data files.

Staff Contacts