Riverside County Roads Ranked 14th Worst in Nation

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By City News Service

Nearly half of the roads in the Riverside-San Bernardino area are in poor condition, costing the average motorist more than $800 in annual vehicle expenses, according to a study released Thursday.

The Riverside-San Bernardino area was ranked 14th-worst in the nation in terms of bad roads, with 46 percent considered to be in poor condition, according to the study by TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based transportation research group. The area placed 12th for additional costs to motorists due to bad roads, at an annual average of $812.

The San Francisco/Oakland area was ranked worth in both areas, with 74 percent of roads in bad condition, costing motorists $1,044 a year. The Los Angeles/Long Beach/Santa Ana region was second-worst, with 73 percent of roads in bad condition, costing the average motorist $1,031 a year in expenses such as vehicle deterioration and depreciation, increased maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear.

The San Diego area placed eighth worst with 51 percent of roads in poor condition, and ninth worst in terms of annual cost to motorists, at $843.

“The long-term preservation and maintenance of our national transportation system depends on federal investment,” said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “We can do better than the uncertainty of short-term extensions. America needs Congress to fully fund a multi-year surface transportation bill.”

Jill Ingrassia of the American Automobile Association said the rough roads “stress nerves and cost billions in unnecessary vehicle replacement, repair and fuel costs.”

“Full investment in our nation’s transportation system will reduce the financial burden on drivers and provide them with a smoother, safer and more efficient ride,” she said.