BUFFALO, NY - It's no secret that Western New York's roads could use some work, but drivers might be surprised to know just how much deteriorating roads and bridges are costing them.
According to a new report released Wednesday by TRIP, a national non-profit transportation research group, roads and bridges in poor condition cost each Buffalo-Niagara Falls driver $1,726 every year, with $24.8 billion being spent statewide annually to deal with things like higher vehicle operating costs, safety, and delays from congestion.
And with TRIP finding 15-percent of major locally and state-maintained roads in the area are in poor condition, with another 25-percent in mediocre condition, they say that's an additional $382 each year in extra vehicle operating costs.
That's because driving on roads in poor condition is tied to repair costs, increased gas consumption, crashes, tire wear, etc.
And, this year's report found that traffic in WNY is getting worse, with 40 annual hours of delays, or $932 in wasted gas - and time - every year.
“Driving on deficient roads comes with a $1,726 yearly price tag for Buffalo-Niagara Falls motorists - $24.8 billion statewide,” say's TRIP's executive director, Will Wilkins. “Adequate funding for the state’s transportation system would allow for smoother roads, more efficient mobility, enhanced safety, and economic growth opportunities while saving New York’s drivers time and money.”
Carley J. Hill, chairwoman of the FAIR Committee says, "As a region in economic growth, we MUST keep up with the times. We demand that our legislative leadership focus on the condition of city and county assets. As a community, we should take responsibility for these degraded conditions and their effect on taxpayers and their vehicle operating costs."
You can view the "NY Transportation by the Numbers" TRIP Report in its entirety below:
For more information you can visit the TRIP website.