A report ranking infrastructure in America says roads in Iowa and Illinois are not so great and it’s costing motorists hundreds of dollars apiece every year.
The report by the American Society of Civil Engineers says America’s level of investment in its roads is “insufficient and still projected to result in a decline in conditions and performance in the long term.”
The Federal Highway Administration estimates the country needs to spend about $170 billion annually to significantly improve roads. Last year, Federal, state and local investment in roads was about $91 billion.
The report says driving on roads in need of repair costs Iowa motorist $381 apiece. Nearly half (46%) of Iowa’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
Of the state’s 24,496 bridges, 5,193 are considered structurally deficient and 1,282 are considered functionally obsolete.
The report says Iowa’s 22-cents-per-gallon gas tax has not increased in 23 years. Iowa has the 35th-highest gas tax in the country.
The report says driving on roads in need of repair costs Illinois motorists an estimated $292 per year apiece.
In Illinois, the report says 73% of the state’s roads are poor or mediocre quality and there are 2,311 structurally-deficient bridges. Another 1,976 bridge in Illinois are considered functionally obsolete.
Illinois has the fifth-highest gas tax in the U.S. and the state’s 39.1-cents-per-gallon gas tax has not increased in one year.
An “A” grade means the area is exceptional and fit for the future; “B” means it is good and adequate for now; C indicates it is mediocre and requires attention; D means it is poor and at risk and F means it is unfit for its purpose.
