Rhode Island ranks last for road conditions in U.S., data shows

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island has the worst state road conditions in the country despite a transportation budget that has grown to more than $1 billion, according to a review of federal road condition data by WPRI’s Target 12.

Data submitted by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the Federal Highway Administration shows 32% of Rhode Island’s state roads were rated in poor condition in 2024 using the International Roughness Index (IRI), a national standard that measures pavement quality.

The analysis placed Rhode Island last among all 50 states.

Other states report fewer poor roads

The data shows several other states had significantly lower percentages of roads rated in poor condition.

• California ranked second worst with 27% of roads in poor condition.
• Massachusetts ranked third with 25%.
• Connecticut reported 11% of roads in poor condition, closer to the 8% national average.

The numbers also show Rhode Island has struggled with road conditions for years.

In 2014, about 35% of state roads were rated poor. By 2019, the share had climbed to 37%, keeping the state at the bottom of national rankings.

Some road types in worse shape than others

Federal data shows the condition of roads varies across the state’s highway system.

Interstates and major freeways are generally in better condition. However, urban principal arterials such as busy city and suburban roads are in much worse shape.

Nearly 48% of those roads were rated in poor condition in 2024. These include heavily traveled corridors such as North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island and Route 2 in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Transportation leadership transition underway

The findings come as the state transportation agency undergoes a leadership change.

In February 2026, Peter Alviti Jr. stepped down as director of RIDOT after serving for over a decade. During his tenure, the department’s budget grew from about $490 million to more than $1 billion as the state implemented the RhodeWorks transportation funding plan.

State officials say much of that funding was directed toward bridge repairs after federal officials required the agency to prioritize bridge conditions.

RIDOT officials say the share of National Highway System bridges classified as structurally sufficient increased from 74% in 2016 to nearly 91% in recent years.

State shifting focus to road repairs

RIDOT says it has now shifted more attention toward road repairs.

Officials said $500 million has been allocated for road projects over the next five years, supported by funding from the federal infrastructure law. The agency has also committed about $35 million annually in federal funds for pavement projects.

Lawmakers push for independent audit

Some lawmakers are calling for additional oversight of the transportation agency.

Sen. Samuel Zurier has proposed legislation that would require an independent efficiency and performance audit of RIDOT. The bill would compare the agency with similar states and evaluate costs, consultant use, and pavement conditions.

The proposal is co-sponsored by Jennifer Stewart.

Supporters say the review could help determine why Rhode Island continues to rank at the bottom nationally for road conditions.