Road Conditions Cost Drivers More Than Time

New Department of Transportation data shows that poor road work can lead to hundreds of dollars in extra vehicle costs.

1 minute read

July 3, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman


Focusing on Detroit, the Detroit News examines data from both the DOT and the Road Information Center showing how poor road construction passes down hidden costs to drivers in the form of tire wear, structural damage, and metal fatigue. Los Angeles’ drivers, for example, can expect to pay an additional $705 in operating costs beyond routine maintenance because of the worn roads. Cold-weather and high-traffic states rank near the bottom while Georgia's roads were praised for their management.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

Friday, July 2, 2004 in The Detroit News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Three young people sitting at a table at outdoor restaurant, one has Apple laptop open.

Tulsa Paid Remote Workers $10,000 to Move In — Nearly All of Them Stayed

The Tulsa Remote program generated more than $4 in local economic benefits for every dollar spent.

45 minutes ago - Bloomberg CityLab

High view of Chicago train on elevated rail in downtown with reflective glass building on left and brick building on right.

Chicago Transit: $770M Shortfall, 40% Service Cuts Loom

Despite dire warnings from transit officials, the Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without a solution.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Farm workers in long sleeves and hats working in a green field in Nipomo, California with small hills in background.

Without International Immigrants, the Rural US Population Would Be Falling 58%

Census data shows that population growth in rural areas is due in large part to international migrants.

June 2 - The Daily Yonder

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.