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LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) has released a report indicating improvements in the condition of roads and bridges across the state for the fourth consecutive two-year period. According to the report, 28 percent of roads eligible for federal aid in 2024 are in good condition, 40 percent are fair, and 32 percent are poor. Non-federal aid roads show 21 percent in good condition, 36 percent fair, and 43 percent poor.
Regarding bridges, the Michigan Department of Transportation reports that 92 percent are in good or fair condition, while just over five percent are poor, and less than one percent are in severe condition. The Citizens Research Council of Michigan highlights that smarter spending and systemic reforms are crucial for maintaining infrastructure.
The TAMC report shows that federal-aid roads maintained gains made in 2022, with 67 percent rated as good or fair. Michigan has more roads in good condition than any time in the last two decades, with 28 percent of the primary road system in good condition, up from 21 percent in 2019.
Despite these improvements, challenges remain. The report suggests that Michigan's road program could be more efficient in converting funding into quality infrastructure. The state's road funding ranks 30th nationally, but road conditions rank near the bottom. Policymakers are encouraged to focus on how funds are spent rather than just increasing funding levels.