Lansing area roads rank 10th worst in U.S. for similar size areas

WASHINGTON – Damaged big-city roads — especially many in Michigan — cost motorists hundreds of dollars a year in added maintenance, according to a report obtained by USA TODAY and being used to urge Congress to approve a new highway bill to replace the one expiring July 31.

More than one-fourth (28%) of urban interstates, freeways and arterial routes with at least two lanes were paved in “poor” condition in 2013, according to the report from TRIP, a non-profit transportation research group funded by industry groups such as construction businesses and unions.

Michigan roads are particularly bad.

Nearly four in 10 of Lansing’s roads are rated in poor condition, the 10th worst rating among urban areas with populations between 250,000 and 500,000. Flint topped the list with more than half of its roads providing a rough ride.

Among the largest urban areas, Detroit had the fourth highest share of its roads (56 percent) in poor condition and Grand Rapids was ninth at 51 percent, according to the report “Bumpy Roads Ahead: America’s Roughest Rides and Strategies to Make Our Roads Smoother.”

TRIP collated data from the Federal Highway Administration’s road ratings. Poor roads have cracked or broken pavement and often show significant distress in the underlying foundation.

The poorly maintained roads cost Lansing motorists an average $733 per year in added maintenance, fuel cost and tire wear, the report calculated.

The highest costs for maintenance totaled $1,044 per year for motorists in San Francisco and $1,031 for those in Los Angeles. The cost for Flint drivers was $839 per year.

“The nation’s rough roads stress nerves and cost billions in unnecessary vehicle replacement, repair and fuel costs,” said Jill Ingrassia, AAA’s managing director of government relations and traffic safety advocacy. “Full investment in our nation’s transportation system will reduce the financial burden on drivers and provide them with a smoother, safer and more efficient ride.”

Groups including AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will hold a conference call at noon Thursday to discuss the report and urge congressional action.

“The deteriorating condition of our nation’s urban roads threatens the health of the nation’s economy, reducing the efficiency of a region’s businesses and employers,” said Janet Kavinoky, executive director for transportation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The TRIP report comes as the Senate debates a six-year highway bill that is only funded for three years, leaving the next Congress to find additional funding. The would provide $50 billion beyond what is already collected from the 18.4 cent per gallon gas tax, the additional funding coming from spending cuts or changes in federal policy elsewhere.

In another strategy, the House approved an $8 billion bill to temporarily extend highway policy to Dec. 18 to give lawmakers more time to find permanent funding.

Michigan lawmakers have likewise not been able to agree on how to pay for needed repairs. Voters in May overwhelmingly rejected raising the state’s sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent to raise more funds for roads and other needs.

“With state and local governments struggling to fund needed road repairs, and with federal surface transportation funding set to expire this month, road conditions are projected to get even worse,” said Will Wilkins, TRIP’s executive director.

Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, said road maintenance depends on federal investment.

“We can do better than the uncertainty of short-term extensions,” Wright said.

USA Today reporter Maureen Groppe contributed to this report.

At a glance

Urban areas, with populations between 250,000 and 500,000, with the greatest share of major roads and highways with pavements in poor condition.

Flint, Mich.: 54 percent

Antioch, Calif.: 52 percent

Santa Rosa, Calif.: 49 percent

Trenton, N.J.: 48 percent

Temecula-Murrieta, Calif.: 47 percent

Scranton, Pa.: 46 percent

Reno, Nev.: 46 percent

Spokane, Wash.: 44 percent

Jackson, Miss.: 44 percent

Lansing, Mich.: 39 percent

Urban areas, with populations greater than 500,000, with the greatest share of major roads and highways with pavements in poor condition.

San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.: 74 percent

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif.: 73 percent

Concord, Calif.: 62 percent.

Detroit, Mich.: 56 percent

San Jose, Calif.: 53 percent

Cleveland, Ohio: 52 percent

New York-Newark, N.Y.: 51 percent

San Diego, Calif.: 51 percent

Grand Rapids, Mich.: 51 percent

Honolulu, Hawaii: 51 percent.