Nearly one-fourth--23%--of major roads in the nation's largest urban areas have significant deterioration and need immediate repair or reconstruction, according to a new report released today by The Road Information Program (TRIP).
"Rough Ride in the City: How Poor Road Conditions Increase Motorists' Costs," also concluded motorists in the nation's major cities are paying an average of $358 per motorist in extra vehicle operating costs to drive on roads in need of repair.
TRIP analyzed data for major urban areas that was obtained from the Federal Highway Administration in putting together the report. The 10 urban areas with a population of 1 million or more which had the highest percentage of roads in poor condition are Boston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Detroit, New York, San Jose, San Francisco-Oakland, Oklahoma City, Sacramento and Grand Rapids.
Another 27% of the nation's urban roads are rated in mediocre condition and soon will be in need of repairs to return them to good condition.
"Motorists in our nation's largest cities are in for a rough ride every time they drive unless needed road improvements are made," said William M. Wilkins, TRIP's executive director.
