When you’re out on and about on the road, you’re definitely going to notice what the road feels like under your tires. Depending on where you are, you might be living in a state where the roads are smooth, or you might be in one that has potholes galore. Let’s look at nine states with the best road quality and nine with the worst.
New Hampshire
This data comes from the World Population Review, and New Hampshire currently holds the top spot with the best road conditions in the country. The state cares a lot about maintaining its roads, which has meant fewer potholes for everyone. It’s ironic since the state doesn’t spend anywhere near as much as some other states.
Minnesota
Thanks to its well-funded transportation department, Minnesota’s roads are also well-maintained. Of course, the state’s harsh winters can be hard on its infrastructure, but constant investment in road care has kept the streets in good shape. It’s a state with smooth rides year-round.
Vermont
Even though Vermont is small, its roads pack a punch because they’re so high-quality. That’s mostly because it doesn’t have as much road traffic as other states since it’s a more rural place, but the government’s investment also helps. In Vermont, you know you’ll always be able to enjoy those beautiful views with a smooth ride.
Alabama
Alabama’s pretty famous for its sweet tea and football, but perhaps its roads deserve the spotlight, too. The state has some of the best roads in the country, and the government has been constantly rolling out better materials for them. This has made them last longer, even with the state’s infamous hot weather.
Idaho
In Idaho, the local government has put a lot of money into making the roads a pleasant drive, and it’s certainly paid off. They’re trying to make sure the roads can handle those scenic mountain drives and daily traffic without too much damage. For tourists, you’re not going to find a drive smoother anywhere else.
Kansas
Kansas has some of the best driving experiences in the Midwest, mostly because of its sheer size. This also gives its roads a geographic advantage because it means less natural wear and tear. Local governments have made sure that each journey you take, whether on city streets or rural roads, is an enjoyable experience.
Florida
Florida’s weather has helped the state’s roads because it means they usually avoid those extremes that destroy the surface. The local government has put a lot of money into maintaining the highways and highways, which makes traveling a lot easier. No matter where you’re driving, you’re bound to have a blast in Florida.
Georgia
In Georgia, city officials have been smart with their infrastructure. They’ve used both state and federal funds to make sure they stop any issues before they become huge problems. You’re unlikely to deal with many potholes or road issues here while you’re trying their famous peaches, as a drive through the state is just as sweet.
Nevada
All Nevadans know just how dry their state’s climate is, but they might not all realize the benefits this has for the road. The lack of moisture helps to preserve the asphalt, which means there’s a much lower chance of wear and tear. Plus, the government prioritized investments in road quality, mostly because of the number of visitors.
Hawaii
Of course, it’s not all good news, and Hawaii tops the list with the worst road quality. This is mostly because its humid and rainy climate makes the pavement degrade pretty quickly. If you drive through Hawaii, you’ll probably notice just how bumpy the roads are, which can take away from some of the state’s beauty.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a lot of charm, but perhaps the local government could put some of that charm into its roads. Since it’s such a small place, having so much traffic puts a lot of pressure on the infrastructure, and it usually just can’t deal with it. There’s not enough funding to fully repair and maintain the roads, which also worsens their road quality issues.
Louisiana
Louisiania’s road conditions are infamously poor, and the state’s climate doesn’t help. With so much bad weather, like frequent heavy rain and high temperatures, maintaining the roads becomes a challenge that’s just not worth the hassle. Usually, this means the roads are in a less-than-ideal condition.
California
The huge population and constant traffic in California are the biggest reasons why the roads are such poor quality. Even though the local government has put a lot of money into fixing the roads, it’s just not enough when you have so many vehicles going over it every day. No wonder the locals are so unhappy about it.
Wisconsin
During the winter months, there’s way too much ice and snow on the roads in Wisconsin, which has caused them to suffer. Of course, the state tries to keep the roads clear, but they’ll usually use materials that eventually damage the asphalt. One report found that locals spend roughly $733 on their vehicles each year because of these issues.
Mississippi
Both underfunding and environmental issues like flooding have completely destroyed the roads in Mississippi. According to one report, 24% of the roads are classified as being in “poor condition.” The state’s roads have numerous potholes and uneven surfaces, which makes driving a difficult experience.
Arkansas
Currently, the government in Arkansas is trying to improve its road system, but progress is happening way too slowly, leaving many of its roads in poor condition. In some of the less-traveled areas, the roads are particularly bumpy and filled with potholes. Be careful if you’re planning a trip here.
South Carolina
Driving in South Carolina is a bumpy experience, as the state has a huge maintenance backlog. It’s a work of progress where the results just can’t come soon enough. Of course, South Carolina is doing better than it was previously, as it had the worst roads in 2020 but now has the 8th worst.
Iowa
In Iowa, extreme weather and heavy farm equipment have given the roads quite a beating. This has left the roads cracked and in desperate need of care, but it doesn’t look like it’s coming. Sadly, locals and visitors alike have to deal with those terrible conditions on their daily commutes and cross-country travels.
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