Rhode Island road quality ranks dead last in U.S.

Data from the Federal Highway Administration ranks Rhode Island road quality at the bottom among U.S. states. The Ocean State has the highest percentage of road miles rated “poor” in the nation, ranking it 50th in road quality.

While the national average for roads in poor condition is 17.5%, Rhode Island’s rate is 44.7%.

The study is part of the overall Best State condition analysis, which also placed Rhode Island 45th in infrastructure and 50th in transportation.

From crumbling pavement to pothole-filled streets, many local drivers say the results aren’t surprising, and fixing the problem will take more than short-term patchwork.

A separate report released in July by mapping company, eSpatial, also ranked Rhode Island road quality worst in the country.

Bottom 5 States for Road Quality:

46. Mississippi

47. Connecticut

48. New Mexico

49. Hawaii

50. Rhode Island

Top 5 States for Road Quality:

1. Indiana

2. South Dakota

3. Kansas

4. Wyoming

5. Vermont