AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Who They Are & What They Create

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is a standards-setting body for the transportation industry in the U.S. AASHTO publishes a wide range of specifications, test protocols, and guidelines that are used for highway design, construction, and maintenance. Their standards are adopted by state departments of transportation and are critical for ensuring the safety and quality of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Industries Supported

• Transportation (highways, bridges, rail, air)
• Civil Engineering
• Construction
• Materials Testing
• Government & Public Works

Detailed History

AASHTO was founded in 1914 as the American Association of State Highway Officials. Its creation was prompted by the need for coordination among states as the interstate highway system began to take shape. The organization’s initial focus was on highway design and materials. In 1973, its name was changed to include “Transportation” to reflect its broadened scope to include all modes of transport. AASHTO’s “Green Book,” which provides guidance on geometric highway design, is a foundational document in civil engineering.