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Minnesota Tops National Ranking for Best Roads in the U.S

By Paul Torres Mar 15, 2024 | 2:49 PM

Consumer Affairs has revealed that Minnesota boasts the finest roads in the United States, according to their recent study. The state clinched the top spot due to its impressive track record, including the second-lowest rate of fatalities per mile driven. Minnesota also boasts the nation’s third-largest network of rural roads and ranks among the lowest for road roughness percentages in both urban and rural areas. Governor Tim Walz proudly heralded Minnesota’s road infrastructure achievements, attributing them to the state’s unwavering dedication to safety and quality road systems.

“This achievement didn’t happen by accident – it reflects our years-long commitment to improving the safety and quality of our roads,” Governor Walz emphasized in a statement about the analysis. “In Minnesota, we take pride in maintaining the infrastructure that builds strong communities, creates jobs, and drives economic growth.” The governor’s commitment to road improvement was underscored last year when he signed a monumental $2.6 billion infrastructure bill, marking it as the largest infrastructure bill in the state’s history. Minnesota’s impressive statistics speak volumes about its road infrastructure: the state boasts a mere 0.76 fatalities per 100 million miles driven, with only 3% of rural roads and 5% of urban roads rated as poor. Annually, Minnesota invests a substantial $4.284 billion in its road network. In stark contrast, Rhode Island, the state with the worst roads in the U.S., lags far behind with 0.976 fatalities per 100 million miles driven. A staggering 17% of its rural roads and a troubling 41% of urban roads are classified as poor. Rhode Island’s minimal budget for road improvements, at $537.729 million yearly, further highlights the disparity. Wisconsin, ranked fifth for having the worst roads in the country, faces similar challenges. With 1.07 fatalities per 100 million miles driven, 6% of rural roads, and 28% of urban roads rated poorly, the state is grappling with the need for significant road infrastructure enhancements.

Embark on a journey through the heart of America’s roadways, where each mile tells a story of safety, quality, and commitment. A recent study has meticulously ranked states based on their road conditions, illuminating the path to the best and worst roads in the nation. The study’s methodology is as intricate as the road network itself, calculating car accident fatalities per 100 million miles traveled to gauge each state’s safety record. States were then ranked based on their rate compared to the state with the highest rate of car accident fatalities, painting a vivid picture of road safety across the country. But safety is just one piece of the puzzle. Road surface roughness percentage also played a pivotal role in determining the rankings of the best roads. Utilizing data from the Federal Highway Administration, the study delved deep into road roughness, measuring it with specialized equipment that records a car’s vertical movement over a stretch of road. This meticulous approach ensured that road quality was thoroughly assessed, providing a comprehensive view of each state’s road infrastructure. Lastly, the study evaluated how much each state invested in road improvements, a key factor in determining the overall ranking. This final piece of the puzzle highlighted the states that are committed to maintaining and enhancing their road networks, ensuring safe and smooth travels for all. Through this study, the best and worst roads in America are not just statistics but a reflection of each state’s dedication to excellence in infrastructure.

Bottom 10 States With the Worst Roads in America”

  1. Rhode Island
  2. Hawaii
  3. California
  4. Louisiana
  5. Wisconsin
  6. New York
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Nebraska
  9. Arkansas
  10. Illinois

Top 10 States With the Best Roads in America”

  1. Minnesota
  2. Alabama
  3. Indiana
  4. New Hampshire
  5. Vermont
  6. Florida
  7. Idaho
  8. Georgia
  9. Utah
  10. Tennessee