The FHWA developed the Model Inventory of Roadway Elements (MIRE) to provide a recommended listing and data dictionary of roadway and traffic data elements critical to supporting highway safety management programs. The objective of the MIRE MIS effort is to test the feasibility of converting the MIRE listing into a Management Information System (MIS). This was done through the exploration, development, and documentation of:

• Mechanisms for data collection.
• Processes for data handling and storage.
• Details of data file structure.
• Methods to assure the integration of MIRE data with crash data and other data types.
• Performance metrics to assess and assure MIRE data quality and MIS performance.

A potential MIRE MIS structure was developed, tested, and refined using data from one pilot State. The existing structure incorporates data from separate databases/systems for analysis and provides tools for exchanging data with external systems. It was tailored for relational database management systems, but can be adapted based on the system requirements and available data from different States.

Integrating quality roadway and traffic data with crash data helps agencies make better decisions and more effective use of limited funds to improve safety. The MIRE MIS effort provides lessons on how to collect, integrate, manage, and measure data for improved safety decision-making. It also identifies opportunities to overcome potential challenges associated with this type of effort.