Study: Rhode Island Has Worst Bridges in Country

Rhode Island’s highway system ranks near the bottom of the list of 50 states in a recent study by a national public policy research group.

The study is by the Los Angeles-based Reason Foundation. Rhode Island is rated the worst state in terms of structurally deficient bridges, and 47th for overall highway performance. The state ranked 7th for fatality rate, making it one of the safer places to drive.

The Reason Foundation analyzed data submitted by states to the federal government in 2012, the most recent year available.

Below are some of the key takeaways from the study:

-47th in ranking for overall highway performance.

-Urban freeway/interstate congestion is moderate with a 31st place ranking.

-Rhode Island is the best state in terms of rural interstate pavement condition, widely surpassing New England neighbors of double-digit rankings.

Read the Reason Foundation’s 21st Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems (1984-2012).

Image via Shutterstock.

How has Middletown been affected by the state’s highway system? Leave your comments below.