Ohio’s Highways Rank Among the Top 10 in the U.S. for Cost-Effectiveness and Condition
According to the latest 28th Annual Highway Report from The Reason Foundation, Ohio’s highways are now ranked 10th in the nation for cost-effectiveness and overall condition, marking a significant improvement from last year’s position at 17th. This annual report evaluates state highway systems based on multiple factors, including cost-effectiveness, condition, and safety, using data from 2022.
Ohio’s Strong Performance
Ohio’s highway system shines in several key areas, earning top-ten rankings for the following:
- Rural Arterial Pavement Condition: With just 0.36% of these two to four-lane highways in poor condition, Ohio ranks 9th nationwide in maintaining smooth roads that connect cities and regions.
- Rural Fatality Rate: Ohio boasts the 9th-lowest rural fatality rate, with just 0.86 deaths per 100 million rural vehicle miles traveled, indicating the state’s commitment to road safety.
- Capital and Bridge Disbursement Rate: Ohio excels in efficiently managing bridge and highway construction costs, ranking 6th with a rate of 0.55—lower than expected, meaning the state effectively stretches its budget.
Areas for Improvement
However, Ohio’s highways do face challenges in a few areas, particularly in urban regions:
- Urban Interstate Pavement Condition: Ranked 32nd, with 4.15% of these critical roads in poor condition, Ohio’s urban interstates need improvement.
- Urban Arterial Pavement Condition: Ohio’s urban arterial highways, which serve as major connectors in urban areas, are ranked 36th, with nearly 13% of these roads in poor shape.
- Fatality Rate on Other Roadways: Ohio’s fatality rate on minor roads, such as collectors and local routes, is ranked 31st, with 1.56 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, indicating room for improvement in these areas.
How Ohio Compares to Other States
When compared to nearby states, Ohio’s highway system performs better than those in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Among states with similar population sizes, Ohio outperforms Georgia but falls slightly behind Illinois in highway performance.
With continued improvements and investments, Ohio is on track to maintain its position as one of the nation’s leaders in cost-effective and well-maintained highways.
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