Michigan Roads Rated Low In State Survey

Nearly half of local roads that do not get federal aid are in “poor” condition, and only 10 percent in “good” condition.

That’s according to new data released Monday by the state-run Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council.

The study comes less than a month before Michigan voters go to the polls on May 5 to cast their ballot on Proposal 1 which asks to increase the sales tax by a penny, as part of an effort to trigger more money for roads, schools and local government.

County Road Association of Michigan director, Denise Donohue says nearly half of the paved local roads in Michigan rate below “5” on the standardized rating system, which means they’re a “poor” road on the cusp of failure if immediate action is not taken.

Experts believe recent harsh winters, unusually deep frost levels and the already-deteriorating condition of roads is to blame. Figures from the TAMC estimate that Michigan loses $3 million daily – $1 billion annually – in asset value on the state’s public roads and bridges.

Donohue says state and local road agencies have struggled to preserve what they can with available funds but passing Proposal 1 will allow them to begin planning this summer for projects to begin as early as 2016.