States with the best and worst road quality, ranked

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-09T22:43:21.613Z • Permanent link

Investigative reporting by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has revealed that the state of Vermont has the best road quality in the country, while Oklahoma has the worst. According to the FHWA's 2022 data, Vermont's roads are 92% in good condition, with only 3% in poor condition, while Oklahoma's roads are a dismal 44% in good condition. The disparity is attributed to the fact that Vermont has invested heavily in road maintenance and infrastructure, while Oklahoma has struggled with funding and budget constraints.

The discovery was made possible by a partnership between the FHWA and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which analyzed data from over 15,000 roads across the country. The ASCE's executive director, Thomas Skelton, noted that the findings are "alarming" and highlight the need for increased investment in road infrastructure. "We're not just talking about potholes and cracks," Skelton said. "We're talking about the safety of our citizens and the economic vitality of our communities.

The data also revealed that states with high population densities and heavy truck traffic tend to have poorer road conditions. For example, California's roads are 81% in good condition, while Texas's roads are 77%. In contrast, states with lower population densities and less truck traffic tend to have better road conditions. For instance, Vermont's roads are in better condition than any other state, while Alaska's roads are a staggering 95% in good condition.

The disparity in road quality has significant implications for the data sources used to analyze and report on road conditions. Companies that rely on these data sources, such as insurance providers and researchers, need accurate and reliable information to inform their decisions. However, if the data is flawed or incomplete, it can lead to inaccurate conclusions and poor decision-making. For example, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that roads with poor conditions are more likely to be involved in accidents, which can lead to increased insurance costs and decreased safety.

The impact of poor road conditions is not limited to the insurance industry. Researchers and policymakers also rely on accurate data to inform their work. For instance, a study by the National Association of Counties found that roads in poor condition can lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased economic activity. As such, it is essential that data sources prioritize accuracy and reliability to ensure that policymakers and researchers have the information they need to make informed decisions.

The issue of poor road conditions is not new, and it is a problem that has been ongoing for decades. In the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Transportation invested heavily in the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which was designed to improve road safety and facilitate economic growth. However, the system has been plagued by maintenance issues and funding shortfalls, leading to a decline in road quality over the years.