Untitled Document

Rough Roads Ahead: Fix them now
or pay for it later

One-third of the nation’s major highways are in poor condition

One-third of the nation’s highways – interstates, freeways and major roads – are in poor or mediocre condition, according to Federal Highway Administration data.
More than one-quarter of major urban roads, including state, city and county arterials – which carry the brunt of national traffic – are in poor condition.
Rural roads fare better – 61 percent are in good condition.
Major urban centers have the roughest roads – more than 60 percent of the roads in the greater Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco-Oakland, Honolulu and Washington, DC, areas offer a poor ride.
Overall, 72 percent of the Interstate Highway System is rated in good condition. But, age, weather conditions, and burgeoning traffic are eroding ride quality in many states. In eight states, more than 20 percent of the Interstate highways were rated as mediocre or poor.

Poor roads cost motorists and taxpayers

Rough roads add an average of $335 to the annual cost of owning a car – in some cities an additional $740 more – due to damaged tires, suspensions and reduced fuel efficiency. This is on top of annual operating costs which AAA reports are an average of $8,100, depending on type of vehicle and location.
The public pays for poor road conditions twice – first through additional vehicle costs and then in higher road repair and construction costs.
In 2006, federal, state and local governments spent $79 billion on highways and bridges. However, investment of $166 billion a year will be needed to improve the performance and condition of the network, according to the 2009 AASHTO Bottom Line report.

Age, traffic and lack of investment cause our roads to wear out

Factors that contribute to rough roads include aging, unrelenting traffic, increasing number of trucks carrying freight loads, and deferred or delayed maintenance because of tight budgets and soaring construction costs.

States are managing improvements and using technology to help preserve the system

Preservation is a top priority for State DOTs.
Longer-lasting materials and construction techniques can extend the life of highways and shorten traffic disruptions.
Switching from worst-first to best-first investments is a management strategy. Every $1 spent in keeping a good road good precludes spending $6-$14 to rebuild one that has deteriorated.

This report uses the latest FHWA data to look at the conditions of the pavement on major highways across the nation. It also addresses preservation needs and costs, the value of keeping good roads good, and use of improved materials and technology. The report includes condition data for the 50 states and selected urban areas for all arterial highways, as well as additional vehicle operating costs due to rough roads. For complete information go to http://roughroads.transportation.org .