The Society was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1958 with the conception and inception of the first Chartered Section (Harrisburg Section) credited to a small group of dedicated engineers from the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, in association with a group of outstanding contractors, material suppliers, and consulting engineers in the Harrisburg area. Since then, ASHE has grown into an organization consisting of over 6,000 members, and over 40 operating sections in 9 regions throughout the U.S.

The backbone of ASHE is sections operating at the local level. Sections organize a variety of activities and events such as luncheons and seminars for technical sharing, and social and networking events. Each section is governed by a board of directors made up of local members. There are currently more than 45 operating sections.

At the national level, ASHE is operated by a board of directors. Numerous national committees also serve at the direction of the Board to deal with a variety of national issues. The board and committees meet four times per year.

Five ASHE regions, each with region representatives, serve as liasons between the sections and national.