WASHINGTON, May 26 (UPI) -- Road conditions in major U.S. metropolitan areas are worsening and costing motorists an additional $400 in vehicle operating costs a year.
The Washington-based Road Information Program or TRIP says 1 in 4 miles of metro roads are in substandard condition, resulting in rough rides.
Kansas City, San Jose, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco-Oakland, San Diego, New Orleans, Boston, Sacramento and Oklahoma City were cited in the report for having the worst roads.
"All levels of government share responsibility for improving these roads," said TRIP Executive Director Will Wilkins. "Federal lawmakers can help state and local governments by passing long-term federal surface transportation legislation."
The study said pavement conditions have worsened in recent years, from 22 percent in poor condition in 1998, to 26 percent in poor condition in 2003.
