Ranking America’s Roads: From Pothole Paradise to Smooth Sailing

Strap in as we embark on a journey across the United States to discover which states boast the smoothest roads and the most efficient road spending. From the rolling hills of New Hampshire to the lively streets of Alabama, each state has its unique story of road maintenance and infrastructure investment. Let’s explore the top states where road trips are a pleasure rather than a bone-rattling experience.

1. **New Hampshire**: Topping our list with the best roads in the nation, New Hampshire boasts a road roughness index of 71.9. With 74% of its roads in good condition, the state spends an impressively low $9.82 per lane mile. This shows that effective road maintenance doesn’t necessarily require a massive budget.

2. **Alabama**: Known for its rich history, Alabama takes the second spot with a road roughness index of 74.1. 75% of its roads are in good condition, and it maintains these roads with one of the lowest expenditures per lane mile at $6.44.

3. **Georgia**: With a road roughness index of 77.2 and 72% of roads in good condition, Georgia ranks favorably in our list. Spending $10.88 per lane mile, the state’s budget management and quality roads stand out.

4. **Florida**: Sunshine State Florida is up next, known for its vibrant tourism industry. With 71% of its roads in good condition, Florida spends $29.37 per lane mile, highlighting its commitment to maintaining its highways for the influx of tourists.

5. **Minnesota**: Home to 10,000 lakes and a road roughness index of 81.8, Minnesota keeps 68% of its roads in good condition. With a strategic expenditure of $10.85 per lane mile, the state ensures safe and smooth travel.

6. **Tennessee**: With a road roughness index of 83.1, Tennessee maintains 68% of its roads in good condition. Spending $8.04 per lane mile, it showcases effective budgeting and infrastructure management.

7. **Kansas**: Known for its vast plains, Kansas ranks well with a road roughness index of 86.6. With 64% of roads in good condition, Kansas spends only $3.22 per lane mile, reflecting a frugal yet efficient approach.

8. **Nevada**: With its iconic landscapes and vibrant cities, Nevada shows a road roughness index of 87.9 and maintains 60% of roads in good condition. The state spends $14.79 per lane mile, balancing its road maintenance needs with a substantial tourism industry.

9. **Kentucky**: Home to the Kentucky Derby, the state boasts a road roughness index of 88.5, with 61% of roads in good condition. Spending $9.09 per lane mile, Kentucky ensures its roads are ready for both locals and visitors alike.

10. **Missouri**: With a rich history and diverse regions, Missouri scores a road roughness index of 89.4. Despite 10% of its roads being in poor condition, 63% are good, and it achieves this with a budget of $5.06 per lane mile, showcasing efficient use of resources.

11. **Alaska**: Known for its rugged beauty, Alaska maintains a road roughness index of 89.7, with 61% of roads in good condition. Spending $22.32 per lane mile, the challenges of maintaining roads in such a unique environment are met with strategic planning.

12. **Maine**: Famous for its stunning coastline, Maine exhibits a road roughness index of 90.1, with 62% of roads in good condition. Spending $10.84 per lane mile, the state ensures its scenic routes remain enjoyable for travelers.

13. **Utah**: With its breathtaking national parks, Utah boasts a road roughness index of 90.6, with 61% of roads in good condition. With a budget of $14.82 per lane mile, Utah maintains a balance between natural beauty and infrastructure.

14. **Vermont**: Known for its charming landscapes, Vermont has a road roughness index of 91.2 and keeps 63% of roads in good condition. Spending $10.64 per lane mile, Vermont prioritizes its picturesque routes for locals and tourists.

15. **North Carolina**: With a road roughness index of 92.5, North Carolina maintains 58% of roads in good condition. Spending $18.35 per lane mile, the state strategically invests to ensure smooth travel across its diverse regions.

16. **Colorado**: Known for its majestic mountains and outdoor recreation, Colorado finds itself with a road roughness index of 118.2. With 18% of its roads in poor condition, drivers here need to navigate carefully, especially on scenic routes. The state spends $9.23 per lane mile, which indicates a struggle to maintain its expansive road network amidst growing transportation needs.

17. **Illinois**: While Illinois is home to the vibrant city of Chicago, the state’s road quality leaves much to be desired. With a road roughness index of 116.9 and 19% of its roads in poor condition, Illinois spends $16.97 per lane mile. This substantial investment highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining urban infrastructure in bustling metropolitan areas.

18. **Montana**: The vast Big Sky Country, renowned for its open spaces and natural beauty, encounters a road roughness index of 112.0. With 20% of roads in poor condition, Montana’s $3.45 expenditure per lane mile reflects the difficulty of managing roads across its rural expanses.

19. **Ohio**: The Buckeye State displays a road roughness index of 111.3, with 19% of roads deemed poor. Spending $15.14 per lane mile, Ohio finds itself in a constant battle to improve urban road quality amidst considerable wear and tear from high traffic volumes.

20. **South Dakota**: Known for Mount Rushmore and rolling plains, South Dakota faces a road roughness index of 108.7. With an expenditure of $4.16 per lane mile, maintaining road quality remains a challenge, as 14% of roads fall into the poor condition category.

21. **Maryland**: With a road roughness index of 108.2, Maryland deals with 19% of its roads being poor. The state spends $25.33 per lane mile, reflecting significant efforts to address urban congestion and the complexities of a densely populated region.

22. **Virginia**: Historic Virginia battles with a road roughness index of 106.9, while 13% of its roads are in poor condition. With expenditures reaching $20.22 per lane mile, the state prioritizes infrastructure improvements to support its rich historical tourism.

Road conditions across the United States reflect a mixture of challenges and triumphs. From states that have mastered efficient road maintenance to those grappling with budget constraints and extensive wear and tear, the journey of road quality is as varied as the landscapes themselves. Each state tells a unique story through its roads, revealing much about local governance, economic priorities, and the sheer determination to keep America moving.

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