TRIP Report: Decaying Urban Roads Costly to Drivers
Roadways in poor condition in urban regions cost motorists as much as $1,000 annually, a nonprofit transportation group noted in a report this month.
A review of urban areas with 500,000 residents or more found that Oklahoma City drivers pay the highest annually in vehicle operating cost at $1,025, followed by Tulsa, Oklahoma, at $998, San Francisco-Oakland at $978, the Los Angeles-Long Beach area at $892, and Detroit at $865, according to TRIP, which is based in Washington, D.C.
Overall, the group estimated driving on roads in need of repair result in $523 annually in additional vehicle operating costs to average drivers. That came out to $112 billion nationwide. The estimates rely on federal data.
To improve the roadways, TRIP recommended road builders use longer-lasting pavement materials and designs, resurface roads more frequently and maintain an “aggressive pothole patching program that uses the best material available.”
“Invest adequately to ensure that 75% of local road surfaces are in good condition,” according to TRIP.
