Many elements of the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure are deteriorating as a consequence of aging and increasing stresses. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the stimulus package provided an initial infusion of funds for transportation infrastructure renewal and restoration, but these resources are not sufficient for rebuilding and sustaining the condition and performance of that infrastructure. Under these circumstances, it is particularly important to develop and deploy the best methods and technologies to support effective management of transportation infrastructure. To respond to this challenge, the U.S. DOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration sponsored a conference organized by the Transportation Research Board that brought infrastructure owners and decision makers together with researchers to consider problems, needs, and achievements and to define the directions for essential research to manage and preserve the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure. Participants at the November 2009 conference outlined the challenges and opportunities facing the highway, public transit, and rail systems and