Think New York City’s roads are in bad shape? You’re right. A new Tri-State Transportation Campaign analysis of federal pavement condition data (from 2002) reveals that 97.8 percent of the NY State DOT-run Interstates, freeways, expressways, other principal arterials in the city are "in less than good condition." Long Island is just behind, with 85.9 percent of major state-owned roadways in similarly dubious shape. Lower Hudson Valley (DOT "Region 8") roads were third worst in the state, with 61.8 percent in less than good condition.

Roads in "less than good" condition are rated by road agencies as either "poor," "mediocre" or "fair," and are determined to be in need of "immediate" or "near future" repair. While only about 7 to 8 percent of Long Island and Hudson Valley roads are in bad enough shape to warrant the "poor" rating, nearly half (45.9%) of New York City’s roads achieve this dismal classification. These roads "need immediate repair to restore serviceability," according to the Federal Highway Administration field manual.

Overall, the majority (54 percent) of New York State DOT’s major roadways are in good or very good condition (DOT Region 7 north of the Adirondacks rates best). However, NYSDOT-owned urban Interstates, freeways, expressways and other principal arterials bear the brunt of the potholes and deteriorated structural elements, with about 67 percent needing repair now or in the near future.

While NYSDOT has made significant progress in improving road conditions statewide, with the percentage of roadways in less than good condition dropping by more than 26 percent over the last ten years, there is clearly room for improvement and greater investment in cities, and throughout the downstate area.

As noted in MTR #474, New York State will soon have to approve a new 5-year highway spending program. Mounting debt service payments could severely constrain the state’s ability to maintain its crumbling roads and bridges, though the discussion about how to finance state DOT programs has apparently not yet begun. 

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