Congratulations L.A., You Have the Worst Roads in the U.S.

"Los Angeles-Santa Ana-Long Beach ranks first among cities with more than 500,000 residents for the percentage of roads in poor condition and the annual cost to drivers, according to TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that studies transportation data and issues," writes Laura J. Nelson. "About 64% of roads in Greater Los Angeles are in poor condition, and potholes and rough pavement cost Southern California drivers about $832 a year, TRIP estimates, including repairs, tires and faster depreciation." 

"City staff members are studying the possibilities of a $3-billion borrowing program to fix what officials say is a 60-year backlog of repairs," adds Nelson. "The cost has doubled since 2005, and is expected to double again in the next decade."