1/3rd of U.S. Freeways in 'Poor or Mediocre' Condition

"A third of major U.S. interstates and major highways are in poor or mediocre condition, but it's a particular problem in urban areas with populations of 250,000 or more, said the report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the road advocacy group TRIP. It was released this morning at a news conference in Bloomfield Township.

The groups are using the study as ammunition to get federal lawmakers to significantly increase spending in the next six-year federal highway bill, which Congress will begin debating this summer. AASHTO is pushing for an increase in federal spending from $286 billion to $470 billion in the next highway bill.

'The American people are paying for rough roads multiple times,' said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle. 'Rough roads lead to diminished safety, higher vehicle operating costs, and more expensive road repairs.'"