A new report by the transportation research group TRIP documents the status, safety impacts, and costs of Texas' growing infrastructure crisis.
The new report [PDF] from TRIP indicates that in 2010, "18 percent of Texas' urban roads were in 'poor' condition - in need of replacement - and 27 percent were in 'mediocre' condition - in need of resurfacing," writes Angie Schmitt. "Three percent of the
state's bridges were 'structurally deficient' and another 15 percent
were 'functionally obsolete.'"
Unfortunately, there's no appetite to tackle the problems, which "cost the average Texas driver $400 annually in repair costs," among state leaders. "'Because maintenance is just not sexy with the voters, public officials
have decided to spend that money on expansions and new facilities, new
capacity,' said David Crossley, of the smart growth think tank Houston Tomorrow."
"Texas faces a significant funding shortfall in the amount needed just
to maintain the transportation system in its current condition, let
alone make needed expansions or undertake six new projects," study
authors wrote. "Unless transportation funding is increased at the local,
state and federal level, Texas' roads and bridges will become
increasingly deteriorated and congested."
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