The Keeping Michigan Mobile Report was compiled by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit. It’s based on data from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Despite increases in state and federal funding, the report shows that Michigan still faces a $3.9 billion gap annually in roadway funding.
Director of Policy and Research for TRIP Rocky Moretti says that the average Grand Rapids driver loses nearly $2,300 annually as a result of driving on deteriorated and congested roads.
“The report found that 38% of major roadways in the Grand Rapids area are rated in poor condition and another 17% are rated in mediocre condition.”
That’s compared to 21% of major roadways throughout the state being in poor condition.
“The report found that in the Grand Rapids area, the average motorist is spending an additional 42 hours annually stuck in traffic and wasting additional 16 gallons of fuel due to traffic congestion.”
Rob Coppersmith is executive vice president with the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association. He says he hopes the report sheds some light on these continuing issues and urges lawmakers to find long-term solutions.
“I hope that this turns the lightbulb on for people that understand that Michigan has a funding problem. Governor’s been doing a great job with her bonding program and the federal dollars that we’ve been getting, but those dry up shortly.”
