AASHO stands for American Association of State Highway Officials. It is a now-obsolete organization that was founded in the United States in 1914. The association consisted of state and territorial departments of transportation, engineers, and transportation officials from across the country. Its primary purpose was to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and standardization of practices related to highway construction and maintenance.
AASHO played a significant role in the development and improvement of the American highway system. It facilitated the creation of uniform design standards, specifications, and construction practices that promoted safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in road transportation. The association also worked to establish and maintain a national network of highways, advocating for federal funding and support.
Over the years, AASHO's initiatives and guidelines have contributed to the advancement of engineering practices, materials, and technologies in the transportation sector. Its efforts have led to innovations in pavement design, traffic control, bridge construction, and other areas of highway engineering.
In 1970, AASHO merged with another organization, the American Public Works Association (APWA), to form the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). This new organization broadened its focus to include all modes of transportation and continued the work of AASHO in promoting safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation systems nationwide.
