From bad to worse — that’s how an analysis of pavement conditions across the U.S. describes Oklahoma roads.
A new report based on 2014 data from transportation researchers TRIP says 49 percent of Tulsa roads and 53 percent of Oklahoma City roads are in poor condition. The group's report earlier this year using 2013 data on pavement conditions had 45 percent of roads in both cities in poor condition.
Tulsa and Oklahoma City rank 10th and eighth in proportion of bad roads among urban areas with more than 500,000 residents. Nationwide, 32 percent of roads have pavement in poor condition.
TRIP's Rocky Moretti said you’ve probably noticed the deterioration in one way or another.
"You may see some cracking or some potholes, but typically, you're sensing a lot greater vibrations as you're driving across those roads," Moretti said. "Unfortunately, these are roads and highways now where the repairs become more costly, and that's a significant challenge for local and state governments."
The additional cost of bad roads for Tulsa drivers through things like additional fuel and maintenance increased from $928 to $998 a year. For Oklahoma City drivers, the cost increased from $917 to $1,025.
Moretti said the deterioration is due to increased travel, the result of a growing economy.
"Looking into the future, we anticipate greater travel growth, particularly large commercial vehicles, and while that's certainly good for the economy, it puts a lot more damage on those roads and highways," Moretti said.
Despite the increase in bad roads, Oklahoma has demonstrated it can improve.
"There's been tremendous progress in terms of improving the condition of the state's bridges, which was a huge challenge, and I think increasingly the state and also local governments now need to put that effort toward making improvements in the condition of roads and highways," Moretti said.
