How Bad are Michigan Roads: 6 Things to Know

Michigan's highways and roads are in bad shape. The state's transportation officials say the condition of Michigan's roads has worsened over the past decade, with more than half of state roads in poor condition.

A new report from TRIP, a national transportation research group, reveals that 36 percent of Michigan's major roads are in fair or poor condition, up from 32 percent ten years ago.

That means they have potholes, cracks, or other problems that reduce driving quality on those roads and can lead to expensive repairs.

TRIP also found that the number of heavily traveled roads with substandard pavement increased from 15 percent in 2006 to 21 percent in 2016. Here are the top six issues you need to know about Michigan's road conditions:

You're paying more to drive on bad roads

People driving on poorly maintained roads pay an additional $726 per year in vehicle operating costs compared to those who go on better-maintained roads. That figure doesn't include traffic congestion caused by bad road conditions, which can add even more hours to your commute time and make it harder for businesses to attract customers.

The state is shortchanging transportation funding

Michigan has not increased its investment in transportation since 2006 and has lost ground to other states in terms of its per-capita spending on roads and bridges. The state ranked 44th in 2016 for per-capita spending on road and bridge maintenance, which means Michigan residents are paying more but getting less in return.

Michigan doesn’t have a long-term transportation plan

The state has not adopted a long-term transportation plan since 2011 and is one of only 14 states with no such plan. Without a comprehensive road map for the next decade, it will be difficult for Michigan officials to ensure that residents can access safe and reliable roads.

Michigan needs to invest in its infrastructure

While the state has progressed in recent years, there still are many things to do. Michigan's roads and bridges are among the most deteriorated in the US. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 10 percent of Michigan’s major urban highways are functionally obsolete or structurally deficient.

Michigan has a long way to go regarding mass transit

The state ranks 46th in the country for access to public transportation, with only 79 miles of track per 1 million people, not to mention that Michigan doesn't have any trains. Michigan has several lines that connect cities and towns across the state, but they aren't always easy to find or convenient.

There is also a lack of public transportation in rural areas. It can be not easy to get around if you live outside a major city and don't have access to a car.

Michigan needs to attract more businesses and jobs

The state has lost more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country—6.1 percent in September 2018, compared with 3.7 percent nationally. Michigan also has one of the lowest minimum wages in the country—at $9.25 per hour, it's less than half of the federal minimum wage. 

Although the lack of jobs is not directly connected to the condition of the roads, bad roads discourage many driving-dependent businesses from operating in Michigan.

How to prepare your vehicle for driving in Michigan

Driving on bad roads is not only an annoyance, and it can be dangerous. Your car's suspension is designed to handle smooth roads, so going over potholes and other rough surfaces will be uncomfortable and potentially damaging.

To prepare your car for driving on bad roads:

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You should check this monthly or more frequently if you live in a cold climate. Tire pressure drops as temperatures drop and increases when temperatures rise. Your owner's manual will give you the correct tire pressure for your vehicle and the season.

• If your tires are under-inflated, they will wear out faster and provide less traction on slippery surfaces like wet pavement or snow-covered roads. If they're over-inflated, they may become hot enough to blow out in spots where there are sharp turns or steep descents.

Check the sidewalls of each tire for recommended pressures; these numbers should match those provided by the manufacturer at the time of purchase or original installation of the tires on your vehicle.

• Inspect all four wheels for damage before hitting the road. Look closely at each wheel's treads. If there are any signs of cracking or bulging in either direction, get new tires immediately because they aren't safe to drive on.

Always remember that tires are the only thing between you and the road's surface, so if your tires aren't in good shape, neither is your safety.

Car transportation from and to the state of Michigan

If you are visiting Michigan from out of state or considering moving from one city to another, driving your vehicle might not be the best idea; therefore, hiring an auto transport company can be the perfect solution.

Super Auto Transport is your auto transport partner across the United States. You can request to move your vehicle from or to Michigan and get an instant online quote through the company’s website. The online shipping cost calculator utilizes AI technology to offer accurate quotes in real time. 

Conclusion

Whether you live in Michigan and planning to move from one city to another or you are planning to relocate there soon, the condition of the roads might not be suitable for long drives; therefore, consider shipping your vehicle with a professional auto transport company.