Research group says roads deteriorating

May 27, 2003
According to a new analysis of road-condition data gathered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), one out of every four major urban roads in the U.S. has unacceptable ride quality and is in need of resurfacing or reconstruction. The Road Information Program (TRIP), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research group, said its review of recently released data from the FHWA 2001 survey of major
According to a new analysis of road-condition data gathered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), one out of every four major urban roads in the U.S. has unacceptable ride quality and is in need of resurfacing or reconstruction.

The Road Information Program (TRIP), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research group, said its review of recently released data from the FHWA 2001 survey of major state and local roads raises major concerns for both motorists and commercial truckers.

While overall travel on urban roads increased by 30% between 1991 and 2001, travel by large commercial trucks jumped 46% over the same time period.

Vehicle travel is projected to increase 42% by 2020, while travel by heavy trucks is expected to climb by 49%, said TRIP.

But road conditions are worsening even as miles traveled increase. TRIP found that nationally 25% of major urban roads are in "unacceptable" condition, 43% have "acceptable" ride quality, and 32% are just in "good" shape. TRIP noted that the FHWA annual study includes a review of interstate highways, freeways and other main routes.

TRIP also said road-repair funding is not keeping up. A 2002 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) study prepared for Congress found that urban road and highway pavement conditions are likely to get worse at current funding levels. The DOT study concluded that improving the physical condition and performance of urban roadways would require a 49% increase in annual funding, from $13.6 billion annually to $20.2 billion per year.

The problem, said TRIP, is that driving on roads in poor conditions increases vehicle maintenance costs. TRIP calculated that, on average, motorists in the nation’s major urban regions are paying $396 annually per driver in extra vehicle operating costs to drive on roads in need of repair.

"Without additional federal investment, our nation’s roads are going to get worse and motorists are going to pay a higher 'hidden tax' in the form of additional vehicle operating costs," said William M. Wilkins, TRIP’s executive director.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

How to Choose the Right Route Planning Solution

This free buyer's guide will help equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to analyze route planning software and vendors in the market and, ultimately, make an informed...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!