The National Highway Performance Program plays a crucial role in maintaining the condition and performance of the National Highway System. It facilitates the construction of new facilities and ensures that federal-aid funds allocated for highway construction contribute to progress toward achieving performance targets outlined in each state's National Highway System asset management plan.
In 2017, the Federal Highway Administration issued the Pavement and Bridge Condition Performance Measures Final Rule. The rule mandates that the Colorado Department of Transportation establish two-year and four-year targets for pavement and bridge conditions.
However, DRCOG is only obligated to set four-year targets. While DRCOG has the option to either support CDOT's targets or define its own region-specific targets, the decision rests with the DRCOG Board of Directors.
After deliberation, the Board maintained its support for CDOT's pavement and bridge condition targets. The decision ensures alignment with state-level objectives while recognizing the distinct needs and priorities of the Denver region.
Pavement Condition Performance Measures | Four-Year Targets |
| Percent of pavement in good condition (interstate) | 47% |
| Percent of pavement in poor condition (interstate) | 3.5% |
| Percent of pavement in good condition (non-interstate National Highway System) | 43% |
| Percent of pavement in poor condition (non-interstate National Highway System) | 3.5% |
Bridge Condition Performance Measures | Four-Year Targets |
| Percent of bridges in good condition | 36% |
| Percent of bridges in poor condition | 4% |