National Highway System Update
Overview
The National Highway System is composed of the Interstate System, Other NHS routes, future NHS routes, NHS Intermodal Connectors, and the military' s Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), as defined in 23 CFR 470.107 (b). The State DOTs in conjunction with the FHWA Division offices are being asked to examine the National Highway System to verify and validate the accuracy, currency, and completeness of the system information. The data sources provided by the FHWA Headquarters should be reviewed and compared against the State DOT's records to determine whether corrections, updates, and additions are necessary. When changes are made to the NHS, the States should make conforming changes in the Highway Performance Monitoring System data inventory.
Objective
The primary emphasis of this review is to validate and update the NHS intermodal connectors, verifying connector mileages and connector route descriptions, and adding or deleting connectors as justified. The secondary emphasis is to conduct a general review of the NHS mainline, including examining the STRAHNET. Emphasis is given to the intermodal connectors because they are primary link for the movement of freight and passengers from intermodal facilities to the Interstate and principal arterials on the NHS.
Reference Material
NHS Memo
The memo, dated November 21, 2001, initiating the field review of the National Highway System, NHS Intermodal Connectors, and the Strategic Highway Network for updating is available.
Procedures
Update Procedures for NHS Mainline and NHS Intermodal Connectors
NHS Maps
Two copies of official NHS paper maps are provided. One set is for the state' s record and the another set is for hand-annotating, jotting comments, and sending them back to FHWA. Similarly, the state should write comments directly on the intermodal connectors print-out regarding revisions to mileages, descriptions, additions or deletions. Comments from the state should be complemented with any pertinent documentation or additional maps to assist FHWA Headquarters staff to identify routes/connectors and make changes to the official maps.
You can view state maps of the National Highway System.
- Select the State below to view the National Highway System maps depicting the designated NHS routes.
- You can also view the NHS in an urbanized area by clicking on the urbanized area name on the state map. Also, clicking on an adjoining State name will open that State map.
- These maps are in Adobe Acrobat's Portable Document Format (PDF). To view PDF files, you need the Acrobat® Reader®. If you are having problems viewing the Urbanized Area Maps, which are linked to the state maps, this solution might help.
NHS Viewer
The hard copy NHS maps are complemented by an electronic version that can be displayed using a web-based mapping application, the NHS Viewer, accessible through a standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The NHS viewer allows the reviewer to display the NHS at a statewide level as well as zoom into an NHS segment or local area of interest. As the reviewer enlarges the graphics the local streets (Census Tiger street network) will appear in the background providing orientation to the geographic location of the NHS segment of concern.
The web address for the NHS Viewer is http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/hepgis_v2/Highway/Map.aspx
Strategic Highway Network
The Official Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET) web site is located at: http://www.tea.army.mil/pubs_res/strahnet/strahnet.htm.
A user name and password will be needed to enter the site. If you do not already have one, then when a new window opens asking for a username and password, click on the cancel button. The web browser should load a web page that contains information on how to obtain a username and password.
NHS Intermodal Connectors
Click on a state below to view its listing of NHS Intermodal Connectors.
Contact
Mike Neathery, mike.neathery@dot.gov, (202)366-1257
