The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a U.S. Department of Transportation agency that administers federal highway programs and provides oversight and guidance.
Definition
The Federal Highway Administration is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It administers federal highway programs and may provide oversight, guidance, and funding support under applicable laws, agreements, and program rules. States and other partners carry out many project activities, so FHWA’s specific role varies by program and project arrangement. For a civil engineering firm, understanding that role can help clarify review steps, documentation, and coordination with a state transportation department or other client. FHWA is not the owner of every federally supported project, and it does not replace state or local authorities responsible for their own approvals. It is also distinct from a state department of transportation, which may manage project procurement and delivery. Owners can use the FHWA website to identify program information and guidance, then confirm project-specific obligations in the applicable agreement.
How owners use it
- A firm identifies whether FHWA review or coordination is part of the project agreement before setting a submittal schedule.
- An owner assigns a project lead to coordinate with the state transportation department and document federal review comments.
- If a team budgets 24 coordination hours at $160 per hour, the allowance is $3,840: 24 × $160 = $3,840.
- A pursuit team distinguishes the agency providing oversight from the client issuing and managing the consulting contract.
