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L.A. Has The 2nd Worst Roads In America
One of our many potholes. (Getty)
Ever have your car sucked into a pothole the size of a hellmouth?
TRIP (National Transportation Research Group) has just released a report that takes a close look at "the condition of the nation’s major urban roads." How do L.A.'s roadways rank? Not great!
After San Francisco, we've got the worst roadways of any major city in America, which is only shocking because of the fact that we have no freeze-thaw cycles, which often contribute to deteriorating road conditions.
To determine the ranking, the group looked at pavement condition data (which takes into account a smoothness factor) from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA), which did a survey in 2014. They discovered that 1/3 of "the nation’s major urban roads are rated in substandard or poor condition," which means that around 32% of roads offer an "unacceptably rough ride to motorists."
Of the 25 urban regions included in the study, L.A. came in 2nd, with 60% of our roadways being in rough shape. Not only do these conditions make for an unenjoyable ride and slow traffic, but they also cost motorists money. According to the study, "The average motorist in the U.S. is losing $523 annually," and in L.A. the average motorist is paying $892 annually "in additional vehicle maintenance because of roads in poor, mediocre and fair condition."
You can read the full report here, learn about acquiring yourself a TAP Card here, and VOTE YES ON MEASURE M next week, which would not only fund the transit projects of your dreams, but also help fund improvements for our roadways. [h/t Curbed]
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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